Guest opinion: Stop undermining public education Board of Directors of the Women's Democratic Club The Interim Education Committee 2023 of the Utah State Legislature discussed three bills in its November 15, 2023 meeting that, at first glance, seem laudable. Who would object to removing pornographic materials from public schools (2024FL-0657/008Sensitive Material Review Amendments)? Shouldnât teachers maintain neutrality regarding socially divisive topics such as religion, sexual orientation, race, or political affiliation (2024FL-1114/002 Classroom Neutrality)? Requiring âMicro Schoolsâ facilities to meet basic safety standards and setting levels of occupancy also seems appropriate (2024FL-0261/004 Education Entity Amendments). However, all three bills raise serious concerns. The Sensitive Materials Bill has generated the most attention, as it mandates the immediate removal of materials from schools alleged to contain âobjectively pornographicâ content. No formal review is required, nor is the overall merit of the materials evaluated; only materials with âsubjectivelyâ offensive content require that review. If three school districts (or one district plus five charter schools) have banned the materials, they must be banned state wide. Reinstatement requires the submission of a petition to the State School Board, which must then vote to overturn the ban... The stated purpose of the Neutrality Bill is to âprohibit school officials and employees from endorsing, promoting, or disparaging certain beliefs or viewpoints...Laudably, this bill aims to prohibit harassment and coercion related to controversial and sensitive issues. However, healthy discussion and debate are important to students and, more broadly, to society. The ability to think criticallyâan essential skill and the underlying goal of educationâwill be impaired without freedom to examine controversial issues from multiple viewpoints. The line between vigorous classroom discussion and perceived coercion is thin and subjective at best. (Read More) News Releases Romney, Manchin testify on Fiscal Stability Act âWe are going to be known as a generation that took on tough challenges and solved themâor one that didnâtâ U.S. Senators Mitt Romney (R-UT) and Joe Manchin (D-WV) testified at the House Budget Committeeâs hearing today examining the need for a fiscal commission and reviewing the Fiscal Stability Act, a bipartisan solution to strengthen Americaâs fiscal health and stabilize our nationâs finances for future generations, which the senators introduced earlier this month. The legislation would create a bipartisan, bicameral fiscal commission tasked with finding legislative solutions to stabilize and decrease our national debt, which now exceeds $33.6 trillionâmore than double what it was just 10 years ago. A one pager of the legislation is available here. Full text of the legislation can be found here. (Read/Watch More) Event celebrating climbing heritage and advocacy in Salt Lake City today Join us on November 30th, 2023, at the Utah Museum of Fine Arts for an inspiring evening hosted by the Salt Lake Climbers Alliance (SLCA). This special event, titled âRescue Little Cottonwood Canyon,â aims to honor the rich climbing history of Little Cottonwood and address the challenges it faces, including the proposed gondola project. The highlight of the evening is the screening of the 2014 documentary, âThe Grand Rescue,â a compelling documentary directed by Jenny Wilson, the Mayor of Salt Lake County. This film delves into the remarkable 1967 rescue mission on the Grand Teton, where seven brave rescuers, including the mayorâs father, Ted Wilson, the former mayor of Salt Lake City, undertook a perilous three-day mission to save two climbers. This historical feat not only captivated the nation but also highlighted the intricate relationship between humans and mountains, emphasizing the values of courage and teamwork. (Read More) Rep. Clancy to host state and national leaders for conference on key issues this Saturday On Saturday, Representative Tyler Clancy (R-Provo), is bringing together experts, thought leaders, and policymakers to explore strategies and initiatives that can drive positive change in the vital areas of the family, addiction, loneliness, and meaningful work. The âPathways to Purposeâ conference will take place at the Provo Recreation Center on December 2nd, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. (Read More) |
