RICHMOND, Virginia — Virginia lawmakers have approved legislation requiring public schools that choose to teach about the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol to present what the bill describes as factual accounts, excluding claims that the 2020 election was stolen or that the event was a peaceful protest.
House Bill 333 passed both chambers largely along party lines and now heads to Gov. Abigail Spanberger. If signed, it would take effect immediately and guide how public schools frame instruction about the Capitol attack.
Bill sponsor Del. Dan Helmer (D-Fairfax) said the proposal aims to prevent misinformation from being presented as credible in classrooms. Supporters argue the measure ensures students learn established findings about the attack, which occurred as Congress certified Joe Biden’s 2020 election victory.
Opponents, including representatives from the Virginia Assembly of Independent Baptists, criticized the bill as politically motivated and unnecessary. Some argued it risks politicizing education rather than focusing on broader civic instruction.
The measure does not mandate that schools teach about Jan. 6 but sets parameters if they do. Gov. Spanberger’s office said she will review the legislation before deciding whether to sign it into law.
Sources:
Discover more from News Facts Network
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
