This legislative session, MFI once again filed the Student Religious Freedom Bill (HB 2715), and it once again has received bipartisan support from both Republicans and Democrats. The bill is before the Joint Committee on Education, and a hearing will be held on Tuesday, October 4 in Room B-1 at 10:00 a.m.
CLICK HERE to read the bill.
Too often teachers and school officials are not aware of the rights of students in regards to religious expression in schools. This bill not only protects students, but also protects the schools from costly lawsuits. The bill explicitly allows students, in accordance with US Supreme Court rulings, to engage in prayer or a moment of silence in public ceremonies and extracurricular groups.
“This gives students the right to speak,” Rep. Betty Poirier (R-North Attleboro) has said previously. “There’s no reason that you shouldn’t have your constitutional rights to express yourself when you enter a school.”
Do you or your children have a personal story related to your religious freedom in the public schools? If so, we need your to testify on Tuesday, or submit your testimony in support of the bill (HB 2715). This bill is critical in setting the record straight that religious freedom does not stop at the public schoolhouse door.
CLICK HERE to submit your testimony.
[HOUSE SPONSORS: Viriato M. deMacedo, James Lyons, Sheila Harrington, Elizabeth Poirier, Bruce E. Tarr, Bradley H. Jones, James J. Dwyer, Shaunna O’Connell, Carlo Basile, James R. Miceli, Angelo M. Scaccia, George N. Peterson, John J. Binienda, Nick Collins, Ryan Fattman, Donald F. Humason, Kevin Kuros, F. J. Barrows, Dennis A. Rosa, Todd M. Smola, Joyce A. Spiliotis, Marc Lombardo, Stephen L. DiNatale, Paul Adams]
