HB 2713 purports to protect the religious freedom of Arizona's K-12 students.  Yet, the constitutional rights of every student are already protected.  Students have the right to free speech and expression, including religious expression.

As it is currenlty written, HB 2713 leaves open the possibility for a school's anti-harassment, anti-bullying or non-discrimination policies to be invalidated.  The backers of the bill say this is not the intent.  Yet, the Center for Arizona Policy opposed an amendment to the bill that would have ensured that schools would still be able to enforce their anti-harassment, discrimination and bullying policies. 

We join the Arizona School Boards Association and the Anti-Defamation League in opposing this bill.

Let your State Representative know that you oppose HB 2713 and that you want them to vote NO on final read.

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

On the surface, HB 2713 seems harmless. However, in its current form, it is very dangerous.

Despite the fact that 80% of Arizona voters support anti-bullying and harassment protections for students, Senators and Representatives voted down an amendment in Committee of the Whole that would have made sure schools could still protect students from such targeted acts.

HB 2713, as it is currently written, leaves open the possibility that a school's anti-harassment, anti-bullying and non-discrimination policies will be invalidated.

Additionally, the bill will likely create a wave of litigation that school districts will have to defend themselves against. With school district already being financially-strapped, we shouldn't be opening up for the door for more costly lawsuits at taxpayer expense.

The rights that are intended to be protected in this bill already exist under the law. This bill actually creates special protections and possibly gives legal sanction to discrimination and harassment.

As your constituent, I urge you to vote NO on HB 2713.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
June 27, 2008