Governor Evers vetoed Assembly Bill 510 in March 2024. The bill aimed to give parents the right to opt out of classes or instructional materials based on religion or personal conviction. It also would have required schools to provide timely notice when controversial subjects were being taught.
While the bill did not specifically address scientific topics, there have been past requests for students to be excused from evolution instruction. Both evolution and climate change are subjects of public debate, despite a scientific consensus on both topics.
As a former science teacher, principal, and state superintendent, Governor Evers objected to the bill because he believed it would sow division in schools. He felt that creating division would only harm students and learning in classrooms.