The bill H.165, introduced by Representative Headrick of Burlington, aims to establish an Inclusive Schools Protection Fund to address the anticipated reductions in federal funding for inclusive educational programs. The fund will prioritize support for LGBTQ+ student initiatives, antidiscrimination efforts, inclusive curriculum development, and training for educators focused on equity and inclusivity. Additionally, it will provide direct financial assistance to school districts for inclusive programs and ensure the protection of funding for gender and sexuality alliances, equity coordinators, and mental health and antibullying programs that target marginalized students.
Furthermore, the bill mandates the Agency of Education to report annually on the effectiveness of the state's funding efforts to promote inclusivity in schools. It also emphasizes the need to explore alternative revenue streams to supplement the Inclusive Schools Protection Fund, ensuring that schools can maintain and enhance their support for all students, particularly those from marginalized communities.