A newly passed law in Tennessee is being framed as “free speech,” while limiting students’ ability to protest or respond. At the same time, here in Arizona, school board meetings are raising concerns about access, accountability, and whose voices are being heard.

These moments are part of a broader national conversation about inclusive education and what it means to ensure every student feels safe, supported, and able to learn. As these debates continue, the impact is already showing up in our classrooms and communities.

Arizona Legislative Update 🌵

We’re continuing to monitor the bills we’ve previously flagged that impact public education, student safety, and school policy.

School Board And District Updates 🏫

Catalina Foothills Unified School District

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Teachers will no longer be able to use materials from Brown University’s Choices Program for Perspectives on Modern History classes after the provider determined it is no longer economically viable to continue offering them.

Why this matters:

Access to curriculum resources shapes how students engage with complex topics like modern history. Losing established instructional materials may impact the depth and range of perspectives available in the classroom.

Chandler Unified School District

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One community member spoke during public comment, praising the Chandler Pow-wow while also raising concerns about a board member’s compliance with campaign laws.

Federal Policy Update 🏛️

Effectively, this bill will force LGBTQ+ students to endure violent hate speech while simultaneously restricting their ability to respond or advocate for their community in any way.

Why this matters:

Policies at the federal level set the tone for states and districts across the country. As these debates continue, they shape the environment students experience every day, including here in Arizona.

Civic Power Series V.22 ⚡

Who Gets to Speak, and Who Gets Silenced?

Students are expected to sit through harm. Speak up, and they risk punishment.

At the same time, educators and advocates are organizing to defend inclusive education and protect classrooms as spaces where students can exist fully.

Know your rights:

Meetings must be publicly accessible

Agendas and participation details must be clearly posted

Students and community members have the right to express dissent

Why this matters:

This is about control. When access is limited and voices are shut down, it sends a clear message about whose voices matter.

Civic power means refusing that. Showing up. Speaking anyway. Being heard.

What You Can Do! ✊

1. Contact Your Legislators

Bills impacting LGBTQIA+ students, reproductive health, and public education are moving through the legislature.

Contact your State Senator and Representatives before final votes.

Find your legislator

Request to Speak (RTS)

2. Stay Engaged Locally

School board discussions this week included:

• Immigration enforcement concerns
• Curriculum debates
• School closures
• Bullying and student safety

Board decisions shape how policy is implemented. Attend meetings, submit public comment, and monitor agendas.

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