Indiana Bill Requires Schools to Promote Marriage Before Parenthood

Indiana state senator Spencer Deery proposed a bill mandating public schools teach a “success sequence” for financial stability: graduating high school, securing a full-time job, and marrying before having children. He claims this approach could significantly reduce poverty among students. However, critics argue the sequence oversimplifies poverty, disregards systemic issues, and may stigmatize those from single-parent households. The bill recently passed the state Senate with bipartisan support and is set to be considered by the House.