Proposed bill would ban political opinions in classes

AP
A proposed state law would prohibit any instructor in a public school or college from advocating or opposing a political candidate or one side of a social, political or cultural issue that is part of a partisan debate.

A group of Arizona lawmakers concluded Thursday that classrooms should not be forums for schoolteachers and college professors to espouse political opinions.

Supporters said the measure would let students disagree with instructors without fearing retribution.

However, college students and education advocates worry it would discourage instructors from leading discussions and debates on controversial topics.

Legislators disagreed and approved the bill in a House committee, saying students should not receive a biased education.

"In any class, any issue could be discussed as long as the instructor is neutral on the issue and not telling you what your conclusion should be," said Senate Majority Leader Thayer Verschoor, R-Gilbert, who wrote the bill.

Sen. Linda Gray, R-Glendale, said she has concerns about Verschoor's proposal, but she voted for it so it could move out of committee and to the full Senate for consideration.

The bill was approved 4-3 in the Senate Government Committee with Republicans voting for the measure and Democrats voting against.

The bill will go to the full Senate for consideration and would need approval from the House and Gov. Janet Napolitano before becoming law.