Legislative Update 3/24/24

Missouri Equity Education Partnership-Action mobilizes those who support diversity, equity, and inclusion for ALL! Please see the calls to action outlined below and join us in bending the arc towards equity ensuring Missouri schools are a safe, welcoming space where folks can learn all things

Some committees have scheduled hearings yet as spring break has just ended. Upon return, there are two big items on the plates of both houses: the FRA, and the budget.

Please stay tuned as the week unfolds. This is the time of year when things happen quickly. We will need all voices to make ourselves heard.

THIS WEEK’S CALLS TO ACTION

Submit testimony to protect public education!

HB 2937 (Davidson) is another voucher bill stripping public funds from public education without any oversight and little accountability. It also creates a new category of school, Family Paced Education, in an attempt to keep homeschoolers from opposing the legislation. We oppose this bill.

HB 2938 (Davidson) would create waivers for some DESE regulations if they show success. This bill also allows districts to grant certifications for anyone with an associate degree, placing them on the district salary schedule, grant tenure, and contribute to PSRS. The certificate would not need renewed. We oppose this bill.

Share your story about involvement in/with college organizations to counter a terrible bill poised to hit the Senate Floor soon:

HB 1518 (Hudson) would allow college organizations to discriminate against marginalized groups in membership and leadership. This bill has moved from House to Senate already and will probably continue to move. Lived experiences of real people make a difference. Help us provide stories to lawmakers so they can share them on the Senate floor! No names will be shared with them, just the stories. 

Consider one or more of these questions when you share your lived experience:

• Why are student clubs and student activities meaningful to you?

• How have clubs and activities helped you develop leadership skills?

• Can you describe the safety you feel accessing student activities without the fear of discrimination?

• What is a specific example of what it is like to be a higher education student in Missouri right now?

After you’ve shared YOUR story, PLEASE share the link with at least ONE other person who would be willing to share their experience!