Debrah Howes

AFT-NH opposes SB 464 because it weakens New Hampshire’s civil rights law by making it much harder to prove discrimination or bias based harm, by requiring showing that harmful conduct was substantially motivated by hostility toward a protected group. This higher bar limits the ability of schools and the state to respond to bias based threats, harassment, and intimidation. As a result, schools will have a harder time creating and enforcing policies that protect students, especially those who are LGBTQ+, disabled, or from minority communities, from harassment and bullying. It will be more difficult to create welcoming classroom and school communities where all our students feel welcome, can learn and thrive.