Governor Evers of Wisconsin vetoed Assembly Bill 510 on March 29, 2024. The bill aimed to give parents the right to opt their children out of certain classes or instructional materials for reasons based on religion or personal conviction. It also would have required schools to provide notice when controversial subjects are taught, defined as topics of substantial public debate, disagreement, or disapproval.
Despite not specifically mentioning scientific topics in the bill, there is concern that students may be excused from evolution instruction, a topic that has faced controversy in the past. Similarly, climate change is also a subject of debate, despite a scientific consensus on the issue.
Governor Evers, who has a background in education and believes in promoting unity in schools, expressed his opposition to the bill. He believes that creating division in schools can harm the well-being and education of students.
