August 27, 2014, 09:46 am
Jindal sues Obama administration over Common Core education standards
Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal (R) is bringing a lawsuit against the Obama administration over its implementation of the Common Core education standards.
Jindal said the administration has unconstitutionally forced states to adopt Common Core and is asking courts to block the program.
"The federal government has hijacked and destroyed the Common Core initiative," Jindal said in a statement.
"Common Core is the latest effort by big government disciples to strip away state rights and put Washington, D.C., in control of everything," he added.
Jindal, a possible 2016 presidential contender, has been looking to remove Louisiana from the program, despite opposition from Democrats in his state.
Common Core sets benchmarks for what students should know after completing each grade.
The Obama administration has pushed states to adopt them through “Race to the Top,” an educational grant competition. The program offers $4.3 billion to states, but requires them to meet certain educational requirements.
Forty-three states have adopted Common Core.
Common Core has become a target for some conservatives who argue the program is a federal takeover of education.
Rep. Jeff Duncan (R-S.C.) introduced a resolution, with 72 co-sponsors, all Republicans, in February denouncing federal efforts to push states into adopting the standards.
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) has a similar measure in the Senate, with nine Republican co-sponsors.
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