A group of students sit at desks in a classroom. (Photo by Maskot via Getty Images)
It started as what critics call a “ Don’t Say Gay ” bill last year, but has since evolved into broader legislation to control what teachers can and can’t say — or display — in their classrooms.
With HB303 , Rep. Jeff Stenquist, R-Draper, wants to ban teachers from “endorsing, promoting or disparaging” certain beliefs or viewpoints, including religious or political beliefs and sexual orientation or gender identity.
Stenquist started working on the bill about a year ago, after some parents expressed concerns about a teacher talking about pronouns and gender identity with young students.
Utah Rep. Jeff Stenquist (Courtesy of Utah House)
HB303 would restrict teachers from having those discussions unless they’re germane to the curriculum, and would require teachers to tread carefully as to not sway a student to change their beliefs. It would also effectively restrict the display of pride flags or other symbols that could be interpreted as a “political” or “social” belief unless they’re relevant to the curriculum.