A proposal to expand the state’s school voucher program that passed in the state Senate earlier this week failed to pass in the House on Friday when three Republican representatives Reps. Michelle Udall, Joel John and Joanne Osborne joined Democrats in voting against it. Teachers saw this as one bright spot in the day, said Arizona Education Association President Joe
By Howard Fischer, Capitol Media Services
Published: Friday, April 30, 2021 - 12:09pm
Updated: Friday, April 30, 2021 - 12:52pm
Arizona schools remain free to suspend or expel students, no matter how young.
A proposal to ban that practice for most students prior to the fifth grade failed by a single vote Thursday on the House floor. Foes suggested that it doesn t really go far enough.
But Rep. Michelle Udall (R-Mesa), who crafted HB 2123, said the way some people would like to amend the measure is precluded by federal law. She now will try to convince at least one of her colleagues to change their mind and have it reconsidered.
PHOENIX Arizona schools remain free to suspend or expel students, no matter how young.
A proposal to ban that practice for most students prior to the fifth grade failed by a single vote Thursday on the House floor. Foes suggested that it doesn t really go far enough.
But Rep. Michelle Udall, R-Mesa, who crafted HB 2123, said the way some people would like to amend the measure is precluded by federal law.
She now will try to convince at least one of her colleagues to change their mind and have it reconsidered.
Current law says students can be suspended or expelled for any number of reasons, ranging from disruptive behavior and damaging school property to bringing a gun or weapon onto campus. But the statute is open ended, saying children can be expelled for any reason as the school district deems appropriate.
How a personal abortion story ended up in a debate at AZ Legislature azcentral.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from azcentral.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Sex education bill goes to governor
State lawmakers gave final approval Wednesday to legislation that will require special parental permission before a student is taught anything about sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.
The 31-28 party-line vote by the House also spells out that sex education of any type is forbidden before the fifth grade. And SB1456 would mandate yet another special permission beyond what parents need to provide for their children to take sex-ed classes to be taught anything about AIDS and the HIV virus that causes it.
Approval of the measure came as proponents said this ensures that parents know and approve what their children are being taught. SB1456 specifically gives parents more specific rights and time than they have now to review the instructional materials and activities before deciding whether to opt-in to such instruction.