Two Bills that Need to Pass
Radio Commentary, 90.7, 91.7 New Life FM, February 23, 2018 – By Sue Ella Deadwyler
Today’s topics are two bills: one about grade schools and the other about higher education. Senator Michael Williams’ S.B. 361 is about freedom of religious speech for students and faculty in public schools. It starts with this quote from a 1969 U.S. Supreme Court decision, “[n]either students [n]or teachers shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate.”
Then, follows with this: “Private religious speech … is as fully protected under the Free Speech Clause as secular private expression.”
To support freedom of religious speech, S.B. 361 would require the following: “A local school system shall not discriminate against students or parents on the basis of a religious viewpoint or religious expression.” Also, it provides a sample policy for schools to implement. Ask Senator Tippins to pass S.B. 361 out of his committee or it will die. His number is 404 657-0406. Today’s second subject is safe spaces at colleges and universities. The term “safe space” begs questions, such as: What is bad enough to require a “safe space,” and what does it accomplish?
Safe spaces are special areas where students and staff may express personal views without having to hear from those who disagree. While that may sound desirable, it discriminates against students and staff (a) by denying access to a “safe space” because opinions differ and (b) implying a gag order in the safe space to prevent open disagreement. In both instances differing opinions are the primary basis for denying the freedoms of speech and expression.
Senator Ligon’s S.B. 339 would outlaw safe spaces on college campuses. If it passes, (a) the Georgia Board of Regents would develop a free expression policy with, at least, thirteen specified criteria to uphold the First Amendment freedom of speech. (b) All students and faculty would retain freedom to protest and demonstrate, if such did not infringe on the rights of others.
There’s a local reason to pass S.B. 339. “Safe space” training at Armstrong State University in Savannah includes a two-hour workshop to raise awareness and knowledge of LGBTQ issues. Also, it suggests ways to “serve as an ally to LGBTQ individuals.” Armstrong State University ranked 18 among 20 universities recognized for supporting LGBTQ students, their gender and sexual orientation. The next question becomes: Is “safe space” training provided for students and staff with negative opinions about sexual behavior that, historically, has been illegal?
S.B. 339 passed the Higher Education Committee on February 21st and went to the Senate Rules Committee. Call Senator Mullis at 404 656-0057 and ask him to pass it out of Rules to enable a full Senate vote. For Georgia Insight I’m Sue Ella Deadwyler, your Capitol correspondent.