TOPEKA, Kan. — This year’s elections in Kansas and Nebraska may see conservatives gaining a foothold on state school boards, which could influence educational content in classrooms significantly.

Discussions focus on ongoing attempts by conservative factions to restrict what can be taught in public K-12 settings regarding topics such as racism, gender, sexuality, and diversity. Additionally, there is contention over skill-building programs that conservatives dismiss as forms of social manipulation.

Proposals to incorporate soft skills—like resilience, tolerance, and emotional regulation—emerged after studies indicated that businesses value these attributes in prospective employees. However, some parents and state lawmakers view social and emotional learning (SEL) as a means of promoting liberal ideologies.

“We aim to redirect our focus from social manipulation back to genuine education,” stated Fred Postlewait, a retired computer systems manager and Republican candidate running for a seat on the Kansas board in the Kansas City area.

Conservative parent groups and Republican officials nationwide are broadening their campaign against “woke” principles to include SEL, alongside initiatives such as diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and critical race theory (CRT), which examines systemic racism in various U.S. institutions.

Given that both states generally lean Republican, this trend could benefit conservative candidates in the upcoming November 5 election. In Nebraska, school board races are officially neutral; however, in Kansas, they are partisan, which may play a critical role in the outcomes.

“I worry that many people are unaware of what’s at stake,” remarked Judith Deedy, the executive director of the advocacy group Game On for Kansas Schools. “If the board changes hands, it could lead to widespread dissatisfaction.”

Historically, the Kansas State Board of Education has been a battleground over contentious issues, notably debates regarding the teaching of evolution, which reached a peak two decades ago. The board has shifted its science standards multiple times between 1999 and 2007 due to ideological changes in its majority.

The conservative majority last regained control in 2004, revising standards to express skepticism towards evolution while allowing room for ideas suggesting intelligent design. After the moderates took over again in 2006, they swiftly reverted to a science-based curriculum. Most recently, new standards were finalized last year.

“The similar contentious topics could reemerge,” warned Melanie Haas, the Democrat chair of the Kansas board, who is vying for a second term against Postlewait. “While I doubt the board could effectively impose such policies, it can certainly disrupt education in Kansas.”

In addition to Kansas and Nebraska, only a handful of states—including Alabama, Texas, Colorado, Michigan, and Utah—elect their school board members entirely, although the majority in those states are likely to retain their positions. Most states appoint their board members through gubernatorial authorities, according to insights from the Education Commission of the States.

Nebraska’s State Board of Education currently has a narrow 4-3 majority against hard-right Republicans, with one seat vacant. Election ballots will include half of the board’s seats, including that vacancy, as three sitting board members intend to retire. Each board member serves a term of four years.

If conservatives manage to gain control by securing two more seats, they could push forward policies typical of GOP interests, such as the banning of certain educational materials and termination of SEL programs. Kirk Penner, a conservative board member, has referred to SEL as “the TROJAN HORSE for introducing gender and CRT education into classrooms.”

“Post-2024 elections should give us the majority necessary for it to be removed,” he projected.

Meanwhile, in Kansas, elections for the board also occur every four years, with five of its ten seats in play this year. A bipartisan coalition of moderate Republicans and Democrats currently dominates with six seats, although three of those incumbents have decided not to seek reelection.

The campaign to enhance social and emotional learning in Kansas began in 2015. State Education Commissioner Randy Watson emphasized that SEL aligns with the priorities expressed by local business leaders, who have conveyed that while students perform adequately academically, they need stronger soft skills.

One point of contention involves surveys conducted for parents enrolling their children in preschool or kindergarten. For instance, a questionnaire for parents of five-year-olds consists of 39 prompts, covering topics like whether their children can use the restroom independently, enjoy playing with others, experience prolonged tantrums, and even inquire about their general happiness.

Officials clarified to the state board that the intention of these surveys is to help educators cater to students’ individual requirements and manage classrooms more effectively.

Conversely, Republican board member Danny Zeck has expressed concern that schools are overstepping by dictating parental roles in child upbringing and promoting uniformity among children’s reactions. “Our nation is built on the idea of individual differences,” he noted during a meeting break in October. “I am troubled by the potential indoctrination of students.”

Challenging Haas for her position, Postlewait contends that “social engineering” infringes on educational time and refers to recent performance data from standardized assessments. According to the Kansas State Department of Education, two-thirds of students demonstrated adequate skills for life post-high school during this spring’s tests, with slight improvements in higher achievement levels.

Yet, the nearly one-third of students labeled as having “limited” competencies concern Postlewait and fellow conservatives, especially in districts and schools reflecting poorer results.

“It is crucial for the State Board of Education to ensure classroom rigor,” emphasized Molly Baumgardner, a Republican chair of the Senate Education Committee from the Kansas City area.

Baumgardner believes while legislative measures address education, they are slower compared to possible responses from the school board, positioning lawmakers’ actions as a “last resort.”

“The workforce demands in our state necessitate employees proficient in reading and mathematics skills,” she added.

Haas, the board chair, countered that SEL initiatives equip students to excel academically and socially, preparing them for the workforce. She mentioned the impending elections regarding the viability of SEL approaches.