medievalpoc
The newly introduced bill – which seeks to build on an existing GOP-backed law that banned a Mexican American studies class – marks the latest attack in academia on activism and research centered on marginalized groups. Some opponents said the proposal is part of a national trend, tied to the election of Donald Trump, of lawmakers working to suppress progressive organizations and protests.
The bill, from state representative Bob Thorpe, would prohibit “courses, classes, events and activities” in public schools that promote “social justice toward a race, gender, religion, political affiliation, social class or other class of people”. Courses and events that are “designed primarily for pupils of a particular ethnic group” or advocate “solidarity” based on ethnicity, race, religion or gender would also be banned.
[mod note] I actually found out about this bill personally from a friend of mine who lives in AZ, and has already been subjected to several antisemitic and homophobic incidents of harassment in the wake of current unfortunate events. I’ve already read the text of the bill itself, and it’s…well, it’s bad.
Please also note that this is on top of entire educational programs that have ALREADY BEEN BANNED, and that I’ve been writing about and trying to stop for literally YEARS now.
What they are proposing to ban is what I do. The stuff you learn here. The already neglected and marginalized people and events of history. How these marginalized histories are immediately relevant to you and me, and how they relate to social justice. That’s what being banned.
I’m personally terrified for myself and my loved ones, and for everyone who is interested in learning about history in or outside of institutions. There’s a lot of “we’ll survive,” and “It’s not that bad,” going around, and I am seriously asking how bad exactly does it need to get before it actually IS “That Bad”??
americaagainstbigotry
You can also bring up that the Arizona school boards association is strongly against this bill (which also reduces funding for districts that don’t comply), since they oppose the state trying to dictate what local areas do. Wording opposition in terms of the bill being a drastic example of government overreach might have more influence on Republicans.
Tweeting won’t have much impact, btw - legislators don’t really care about it. Contact them at their office. Emails are decent, but calling or writing a physical letter (especially if you’re an Arizona resident).
Yes, thank you for reminding me:
bob@thorpe4az.com
bthorpe@azleg.gov
CAPITOL: (602) 926-5219
TOLL FREE: 1(800) 352-8404
