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Competing state bills to examine student free speech rights
Georgia state legislators have introduced three competing bills to examine students' free speech rights. The legislation is inspired by disciplinary action taken against high schoolers by their administration for participating in recent political activism. One of the bills is inspired by the late right-winged activist, Charlie Kirk, who praised youth activism. We hear from State Sen. Ben Watson (R) - Savannah and State Sen. Rashaun Kemp (D) - Atlanta on the matter.
ATLANTA - Hundreds of students across the metro Atlanta area walked out of their classrooms last month to protest federal immigration enforcement policies.
FOX 5 spoke to a Cobb County student who said she was one of the students who were disciplined by school administrators for participating in demonstrations.
What we know:
Republican Sen. Ben Watson is sponsoring the "True Patriotism and Universal Student Access Act." The legislation is inspired by the late right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk.
The bill would allow public school students to take part in political activities, speak out about political issues, and wear clothing displaying political messages on campus.
What they're saying:
"It is in conjunction with Turning Point USA, honoring Charlie Kirk and what his mission was," said Sen. Ben Watson. "Just the freedom of speech in schools and to allow political and nonpolitical, and Christian and non-Christian organizations to form in schools."
Democratic Senator RaShaun Kemp and Democratic House Rep. Bryce Berry are sponsoring bills that would allow students to participate in demonstrations or attend government meetings, school board meetings, or events during the school day without penalty.
"Civic engagement should never be treated like a disciplinary problem," Sen. RaShaun Kemp told reporters. "The great thing about this legislation is it allows for districts to create policies around this, but with the underlying expectation that you are going to allow students to have at least two excused absences to be able to engage in civic participation."
The Source: The article cites Republican Senators Ben Watson and Burt Jones, and Democratic Senator RaShaun Kemp.