CONCORD, NH – Today, Governor Chris Sununu signed HB 1312, which dramatically – and vaguely – expands New Hampshire’s current 2-week notice requirement for “objectionable materials” to include any curriculum related to sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or gender expression. This law contains vague language as to how an educator may respond to a student who shares a concern with them at school and creates yet another unworkable standard that leaves educators wondering what course material could apply to the notice requirements that traditionally had been focused on sex education and health classes.
Megan Tuttle, President of NEA-New Hampshire, provided the following statement in response:
“Let’s be clear. The adoption of HB 1312 is yet another attempt to chill classroom conversations, just like the similarly vague and unworkable “banned concepts” law which was recently ruled unconstitutional.
Educators and families work well together to support students, but this law inserts politics into those critical relationships. It is incredibly disappointing that Governor Sununu signed this bill that could put teachers and support staff in impossible positions in determining which actions or conversations could put them or a student in jeopardy. New Hampshire educators, students, and families deserve better.”
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About NEA-New Hampshire
NEA-New Hampshire is the largest union of public employees in the state. Founded in 1854, the New Hampshire State Teachers Association became one of the “founding ten” state education associations that formed the National Education Association in 1857. Known today as NEA-NH, our mission to advocate for the children of New Hampshire and public-school employees, and to promote lifelong learning, remains true after more than 165 years. Our members are public school employees in all stages of their careers, including classroom teachers and other certified professionals, staff and instructors at public higher education institutions, students preparing for a teaching career, education support personnel and those retired from the profession.