Kathy Brunet

I oppose HB 1778. This bill claims to prohibit the teaching of “personal identity ideology,” but it never clearly defines what that means. The language is vague and confusing, making it impossible for educators to know what is actually allowed. Laws that are this unclear don’t create better education — THEY CREATE FEAR! Because teachers could risk discipline or even losing their licenses, many would likely avoid any topics that might possibly be questioned. That kind of self-censorship harms students. Schools should be places where young people learn to think critically, understand different perspectives, and discuss real-world issues respectfully. This bill pushes education in the opposite direction. We already have local school boards, professional standards, and state curriculum frameworks that guide instruction. HB 1778 adds political pressure and legal risk, not clarity or improvement. Students in New Hampshire come from many backgrounds and experiences. Learning about identity, history, and society in age-appropriate ways helps students develop empathy, civic understanding, and the ability to live and work in a diverse world. Silencing those conversations does not prepare students for real life. This bill is also likely to face legal challenges because of its vagueness, meaning taxpayers could end up funding costly court battles — all while teachers and students deal with the confusion and disruption in the meantime. New Hampshire schools should focus on supporting students, respecting educators’ professional judgment, and keeping politics out of the classroom. HB 1778 does the opposite, and for these reasons, I urge lawmakers to oppose it.