1. United States
2. Ariz.
3. Letter

I urge you to oppose HB 2600 when it comes before the House Education Committee on Tuesday. This legislation, sponsored by Representatives Gress and Peña, would prohibit students in grades six through eight from participating in any school club or organization without written parental permission. While framed as parental rights, this bill creates barriers that will harm vulnerable students and likely violates federal law. HB 2600 appears designed to restrict access to Gender and Sexuality Alliance clubs, which provide safe, supportive spaces for LGBTQ+ youth. These student-led organizations are often protected under the federal Equal Access Act, which prohibits schools from discriminating against clubs based on their content. By imposing a permission requirement that applies to all clubs but likely targets GSA groups, this legislation risks costly legal challenges and federal violations. Beyond legal concerns, this mandate will disproportionately harm students who need school support most. Many middle schoolers have parents working multiple jobs, facing language barriers, experiencing housing instability, or dealing with other challenges that make paperwork difficult to complete. These are often the same students who benefit most from extracurricular engagement. A permission slip requirement effectively excludes them from activities that build community, develop skills, and provide mentorship during critical developmental years. Middle school students in grades six through eight are establishing independence and exploring interests. Requiring written permission for every club from debate team to environmental club to drama creates unnecessary bureaucracy that will reduce participation across the board. Schools already communicate with parents about available activities. This bill goes further by making permission a barrier rather than information a tool. I ask you to vote no on HB 2600 in committee on Tuesday. Arizona students deserve access to the full range of school activities without discriminatory barriers that worsen existing inequities and potentially violate federal protections.