Montana State Senate President Matt Regier has initiated a legislative bill draft for 2027 aimed at controlling “political agendas” in teacher educational conferences. This action comes after conservative backlash over recordings from the Montana Federation of Public Employees (MFPE) conference, which discussed controversial culture-war topics like book bans and gender ideology.
The MFPE conference, offering over 300 sessions in October, attracted nearly 1,000 educators from both public and private schools. Supported by State Superintendent Susie Hedalen, Regier seeks to revise education laws, echoing a failed 2025 bill to ensure tax dollars aren’t supporting political agendas in schools.
The controversy began when a conservative activist recorded several sessions and posted them online, prompting Amanda Curtis, MFPE President, to label the backlash as disinformation. “I think I just have to say they are outright lying about what happens at this conference,” Curtis remarked.
Pupil-instruction-related days
Montana administrative rules mandate school closures for two days each October, allowing teachers to earn required professional development units (PDUs). MFPE has hosted its conference for over 30 years during these pupil-instruction-related (PIR) days, alongside other professional organizations.
Regier and Hedalen’s proposed legislation aims to end educational credits for conferences promoting “extreme leftist ideology.” They argue that instead of focusing on core skills, the conferences indoctrinate teachers with political extremism.
Undercover recordings
The MFPE conference hosted over 320 sessions, covering diverse topics like STEM education and stock market simulations. However, Regier’s focus is on four seminars accused of promoting radical ideologies. Conservative activist Finley Warden recorded parts of these sessions, sparking debate over the legality and context of the recordings.
One seminar discussed censorship in art, referencing the 2024 removal of Sally Mann’s exhibition. Another session covered advocacy and law for librarians, highlighting a story about reinstating a banned graphic novel, “Heartstopper,” which Regier and Hedalen criticized for explicit content.
OPI takes a stance
Following the recordings’ release, Hedalen informed school districts of potential legal violations regarding DEI and gender identity. OPI emphasized the need for compliance with laws and is investigating MFPE’s adherence to regulations. Curtis countered, stating OPI was included in planning and had access to conference details.
While OPI acknowledges beneficial sessions at the conference, it criticizes others for potential legal violations. The debate continues over whether content like the “Heartstopper” graphic novel should be available in school libraries, with OPI suggesting such decisions rest with parents.
OPI aims to empower local districts to decide on professional development, moving away from mandatory closures for specific conferences. Discussions are ongoing as both sides strive to enhance educational opportunities without political bias.
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