A bill proposed by state lawmaker Rep. Bob Thorpe (R) would outlaw all discussion of social justice topics on all campuses across Arizona. The legislation – HB2120 – specifically targets the concept of privilege while broadly banning classes, events and activities from engaging in productive discussions about race, ethnicity and other factors driving economic and political disparities.

According to the bill:

15-112. Prohibited courses, classes, events and activities; enforcement; exceptions A. A school district or charter school in this state shall not include in its program of instruction any courses, classes, EVENTS OR ACTIVITIES that DO any of the following: Promote the overthrow of the United States government. Promote DIVISION, resentment OR SOCIAL JUSTICE toward a race , GENDER, RELIGION, POLITICAL AFFILIATION, SOCIAL CLASS or OTHER class of people. Are designed primarily for pupils of a particular ethnic group. Advocate solidarity OR ISOLATION BASED ON ETHNICITY, RACE, RELIGION, GENDER OR SOCIAL CLASS instead of the treatment of pupils as individuals. VIOLATE STATE OR FEDERAL CIVIL RIGHTS LAWS. NEGATIVELY TARGET SPECIFIC NATIONALITIES OR COUNTRIES.

Should anyone violate this directive – even by having a dorm discussion about racism, for instance – the penalties will be steep:

If the state board of education or the superintendent of public instruction determines that the school district or charter school has failed to comply with subsection A OF THIS SECTION within sixty days after a notice has been issued pursuant to this subsection, the state board of education or the superintendent of public instruction may direct the department of education to withhold up to ten PERCENT of the monthly apportionment of state aid that would otherwise be due the school district or charter school.

The state could withhold up to 10% of a school’s aid based on a single infraction.

Speaking to press about HB2120, Rep. Thorpe made clear he is targeting so-called ‘social justice warriors’ seeking to engage in open discussion about privilege on campus.

Peacock Panache readers:

Tim Peacock is the Managing Editor and founder of Peacock Panache and has worked as a civil rights advocate for over twenty years. During that time he’s worn several hats including leading on campus LGBTQ advocacy in the University of Missouri campus system, interning with the Colorado Civil Rights Division, and volunteering at advocacy organizations. You can learn more about him at his personal website.

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