HJR78 Alabama 2017 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Mack N. ButlerRepresentative
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2017
Title: Teacher Academic Freedom, urged to teach scientific evidence subjects
Summary: HJR78 is a non-binding resolution urging Alabama education officials to support teacher academic freedom to discuss scientific evidence and controversial topics in science classes.
What This Bill Does
It asks the State Board of Education and school leaders to create an environment that encourages students to explore scientific questions, develop critical thinking, analyze the strengths and weaknesses of scientific explanations, and respectfully engage with differing opinions on topics required by the curriculum. It also asks them to refrain from prohibiting teachers from helping students understand, analyze, critique, and review objectively the scientific theories covered in the curriculum. It clarifies that the resolution is not intended to promote religious or nonreligious doctrine or discrimination.

Who It Affects
State Board of Education and public school authorities (directors, administrators, principals) – urged to foster an environment that supports critical thinking and to avoid restricting teachers' ability to discuss scientific topics objectively.
Public school students and teachers – students would benefit from an approach that encourages inquiry and objective analysis of scientific theories; teachers have clearer guidance on fostering discussion without promoting dogma or discrimination.

Key Provisions
Section (a): Encourages public schools to create an environment where students explore scientific questions, develop critical thinking, analyze strengths and weaknesses of scientific explanations, and respond respectfully to differences of opinion on scientifically taught subjects.
Section (b): Recommends that authorities refrain from prohibiting teachers from helping students understand, analyze, critique, and review objectively the scientific strengths and weaknesses of existing theories within the curriculum.
Section (c): States the resolution is not meant to promote any religious or nonreligious doctrine or discriminate for or against religion or non-belief, and it supports the teaching of scientific information.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Resolutions, Legislative