Caroline Edwards

Opposition Testimony to HB 1778 My name is Caroline Edwards, and I am a New Hampshire resident. I respectfully urge the House Education Policy and Administration Committee to oppose HB 1778. HB 1778 is written so broadly that it would restrict educators from teaching or discussing basic, factual, and age-appropriate material related to race, religion, biological sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity. These topics are not abstract “ideologies”—they are part of students’ real lives and of our shared history. Preventing educators from addressing them honestly would harm both teaching and learning. The vague language in this bill would create confusion and fear in classrooms. Teachers could reasonably worry that answering student questions, teaching literature or history, or supporting students from diverse backgrounds could put them at risk of complaints or disciplinary action. This chilling effect undermines professional judgment and makes effective education more difficult. Public schools should be places where students feel seen, respected, and prepared to understand the world around them. HB 1778 would make classrooms less inclusive and less responsive to students’ needs, while offering no clear educational benefit. For these reasons, I respectfully ask the committee to find HB 1778 inexpedient to legislate. Thank you for your time and consideration.