AZ Proposal To Ban Race-Conscious Student Groups

As reported by the Chronicle of Higher Education and the blogger angry asian man, an amendment to a homeland security bill in the Arizona state legislature seeks to "withhold funds from public schools sponsoring activities that 'denigrate American values and the teachings of Western civilization.'"  The bill specifies that such activities include the creation or operation of student organizations based on race.  The language, an amendment to SB 1108, is provided here.

In addition to being clearly unconstitutional (First Amendment freedom to peacefully assemble, anyone?), this proposal massively misconstrues what "American values" are by tying them exclusively to "Western civilization."  American values like mobility, security, community and equality are inherent in the American Dream that has brought and continues to bring people from every part of the world to the Land of Opportunity.  These true American Values have been strengthened throughout our history by the labor, service and contributions of Americans of diverse ancestries originating in Africa, Latin America, Asia and the Pacific Islands.  The values that make this country a wellspring of hope and possibility are not exclusive, but inclusive.

Perhaps most offensively, this proposal would in many ways silence discussion about real, ongoing racial issues in the United States.  As research shows, Americans' conscious beliefs about race and equality are much, much better than their subconscious or unconscious beliefs; discussing race openly and honestly makes America richer and stronger, while censorship plays to our worst demons: myths, rumors, tropes and misunderstandings.

If you live in Arizona, you can find and contact your state legislators by inputting your address in the top-right corner of this map, or call the House info desk at (602) 926-3559 and the Senate info desk at (602) 926-4221. Let your representatives know that you oppose State Rep. Russell Pearce's amendment to SB 1108 that denigrates the contributions of millions of Americans, as well as American values themselves.