CONCORD, NH – Today, the New Hampshire House of Representatives voted to Indefinitely Postpone HB 1162, 192-183. This bill would have prohibited the state from enacting education laws that would bar public school employees from teaching the historical or current experiences of any group that is protected from discrimination and repealed the “banned concepts” law which has had a chilling effect on the delivery of honest and accurate education in our state.
Megan Tuttle, President of NEA-New Hampshire, provided the following statement after the vote:
“As a social studies teacher, I know how important it is for students to have truthful and accurate information that helps them better understand the lives, cultures, and experiences of different people. Unfortunately, current New Hampshire law impedes educators’ ability to help students build critical thinking skills that are truly foundational to their success in all facets of life.
Since the so-called “banned concepts” law was adopted, I have heard from educators across the state about the chilling effect it has had on classroom instruction. Teachers are scared to run afoul of this incredibly vague law because it could jeopardize their ability to continue teaching.
While we are disappointed in this vote, NEA-New Hampshire is committed to continuing the fight to repeal this egregious law so that Granite State students can be guaranteed the right to an honest education.”
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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, and comprised of more than 17,000 members, 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.