SB223 claims to protect First Amendment religious freedoms in public schools, but in reality, it extends far beyond existing constitutional protections, creating confusion and potential legal challenges for schools.
The ACLU of Arkansas strongly opposes SB223 because:
- It misleads schools and invites legal risk. By deviating from established First Amendment guidelines, this bill could result in unconstitutional practices and costly litigation for school districts.
- It opens the door for religious coercion in classrooms. Without clearer limitations, teachers could impose their personal religious beliefs on students, forcing them to listen to teachings that may contradict their own beliefs.
- It is unnecessary. Both the First Amendment and Arkansas’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act already safeguard religious expression in schools. Districts seeking guidance on these rights can consult legal experts rather than relying on ambiguous legislation.
This bill is a solution in search of a problem — and one that could erode religious freedom rather than protect it.
