1. United States
2. Mo.
3. Letter

I am in strong opposition to SB909 (Hudson) and HB2682 (Chappell), the so-called "SPEAKS Act." While presented as a shield for personal expression, these bills are a dangerous weapon that will be used to harm our most vulnerable students at K-12 schools. By elevating "political and ideological expression" to the same protected status as religious expression, this legislation creates a license for discrimination under the guise of free speech. It explicitly protects clubs that require members to adhere to specific beliefs, allowing groups to formally exclude LGBTQIA+ students, students of color, and others based on "sincerely held" ideologies. A club could ban LGBTQIA+ members or promote racist ideologies, and the school's hands would be tied. This sanctions bullying and exclusion with legal protection, forcing targeted students into hostile environments. In addition, the bill's private cause of action and financial penalties will intimidate schools from intervening to protect students from harassment, for fear of costly lawsuits. This does not promote liberty; it empowers bullies and national hate groups to institutionalize discrimination in our schools. Our schools must be safe, inclusive learning environments for every child. SB909 and HB2682 undermine that fundamental duty. I urge you to reject these bills and protect all Missouri students.