Concerns About House Bill 1169

Diana Hadley

Friends:

As many of you know by now,  House Bill 1169 recently began a trip through the Indiana State Legislature that intended to address cyber-bullying and other disciplinary matters, but the language created a great deal of concern regarding First Amendment issues for students.

Steve Key, General Counsel for Hoosier State Press Association, and I each testified at the Statehouse Wednesday to explain the First Amendment issues. Steve and HSPA in general are such strong advocates for us. I am always grateful for their help.

I don’t have Steve’s remarks, but I have included a PDF attachments of my testimony, the SPLC article that has a link to the bill, and an Indiana State Teachers Association statement with a position on the bill and a list of the Education Members (Just click the name to send an email.)

The committee will meet regarding this bill again next Wednesday. Steve Key and I will attend again. We encourage you to contact people on the list to voice your concerns prior to the meeting.

I am optimistic that we are being heard, but more voices are always helpful. I look forward to celebrating a victory against the negative aspects of this bill at the Statehouse First Amendment Symposium on March 7.

Until later,

Diana