CONCORD, NH – July 12, 2021 – Today, NEA-New Hampshire requested that the state Attorney General issue specific, formal guidance on the implementation of HB 2 within public school districts and public institutions of higher education across the State of New Hampshire. The language included in the section entitled ‘Right to Freedom from Discrimination in Public Workplaces and Education,’ contains ambiguity that requires clarification.
“We want our kids to have an education that imparts honesty about who we are, integrity in how we treat others, and courage to do what’s right to build a better nation,” said Megan Tuttle, NEA-New Hampshire President. “Unfortunately, the manufactured outrage that drove the inclusion of statuary language in HB 2 has resulted in educators being targeted simply for doing their jobs and teaching our history.”
NEA-New Hampshire will always stand in support of the rights of educators to teach history, social studies and civics in a way that expands students’ knowledge and analytical skills.
“We are seeking formal guidance on the expectations and limitations of Governor Sununu’s new law to allow us to continue to ensure our students learn the complete and honest history of our country so that they have the skills needed to better understand problems in our society and develop collective solutions to those problems,” continued Tuttle. “That includes teaching about the greatness of our country, as well as the moments when our actions as a nation failed to include all Americans in ‘We the People’.”
Once we have received guidance from the Department of Justice, we will swiftly disseminate that much-needed information to our members.
“As we approach the 2021-22 academic year, time is of the essence,” said Tuttle. “The current state of confusion caused by HB 2 as it relates to public education will likely lead to unnecessary legal disputes and action if clarification is not provided.”