IN HB1283

Requires the state board of education, department of education, school governing bodies, and administrators to create an environment encouraging students to explore questions, learn about evidence, develop critical thinking skills, and respectfully engage with different conclusions and theories on subjects with differing viewpoints (including science, history, and health).

Allows teachers to help students understand, analyze, critique, and review in an objective manner the strengths and weaknesses of conclusions and theories being presented in their courses.

Prohibits state education officials, superintendents, principals, and other administrators from preventing teachers from objectively analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of existing conclusions and theories in course instruction.

Specifies the bill does not promote any religious or nonreligious doctrine, discrimination based on religious beliefs or nonbeliefs, or discrimination for or against religion or nonreligion.

Effective July 1, 2013, and applies to all accredited schools in Indiana.