Apparently, you no longer need to be proficient in math, reading, or writing anymore in the state of Oregon all thanks to Governor Kate Brown (D), who signed a bill in July that drops the requirement that high school students prove proficiency in reading, writing or math before graduation, a report said.

The Oregonian reported that the governor has seemed to avoid discussing Senate Bill 744. Her move to sign the bill was “not public until recently because her office did not hold a signing ceremony or issue a press release.” The paper also pointed out that the bill was first signed on July 14 but not added to the state’s database until July 29 due to a glitch in the system.

In June, state lawmakers voted to approve the bill that suspended the requirements for students for three years, KATU reported. Foundations for a Better Oregon said in a statement at the time that the bill is intended to “truly reflect what every student needs to thrive in the 21st century.” Supporters of the bill insist that considering math and reading essential skills has been an unfair challenge for students who do not test well.

The Essential Skills graduation requirement was suspended during the pandemic as a way to assist students who went through a year of distance learning. Now, supporters of the bill want to take the suspension beyond the pandemic.

Charles Boyle, the deputy communications director from Brown’s office, said the new standards for graduation will help benefit the state’s “Black, Latino, Latinx, Indigenous, Asian, Pacific Islander, Tribal, and students of color.”

The bill received pushback from Republicans in both chambers of the Legislature.

“The approach for Senate Bill 744 is to, in fact, lower our expectations for our kids,” said Oregon House Minority Leader Christine Drazan. “This is the wrong time to do that when we have had this year of social isolation and lost learning. It’s the wrong thing to do in this moment.”