Idaho Governor Brad Little has taken major steps to protect the rights of students and their parents across the state by recently signing bills that protect free speech on college campuses and allow parents the freedom to select better learning options for their children.
Free Speech Protections
The first bill that Little recently signed protects the First Amendment rights of students for the state's public universities.
HB 240 or "The Protecting Campus Free Speech in Higher Education Act" prohibits higher education institutions from establishing "free speech zones" on campus and restricting speech outside those zones.
"No public institution of higher education shall abridge the protected expressive activity of any member of the campus community to speak on campus," the bill explains.
Additionally, the bill outlines that schools cannot charge a security fee to student organizations based on the content of the student group's expression, or organization's invited guest, or the anticipated reaction to an invited guest's expression.
The non-profit legal group, Alliance Defending Freedom, applauded Little for protecting the rights of students.
"College students do not lose their constitutional rights to the freedom of speech and expression when they step foot onto a university campus," said Alliance Defending Freedom Senior Counsel Zack Pruitt. "Schools must respect the First Amendment rights of all students, regardless of their political or religious beliefs, and foster a learning environment where students can freely engage in the marketplace of ideas."
Idaho joins 20 other states with similar legislation and is also now increasing schooling options for students.
School Choice Options for Families
In late February, Little signed House Bill 93 into law, also known as the "Parental Choice Tax Credit" bill, which now makes available school choice programs for the first time in the state's history.
The bill allocates $50 million to expand school choice across the state through a $5,000 tax credit for families, including families that homeschool, to cover education expenses such as tuition, supplies, and tutors, and up to $7,500 for special needs students.
The state now "boasts even more abundant schooling options for Idaho students and families," Little said in a news release. He pointed out that his administration has also increased public school funding by 60% in the last few year.
"With the passage of the $50 million Parental Choice Tax Credit program, Idaho boasts even more abundant schooling options for Idaho students and families," he said. "Idaho can have it all — strong public schools and education freedom. Providing high-quality education for Idaho students will always be our top priority."
Homeschool Advocates Applaud
Homeschooling advocates are celebrating this legislation as a victory.
"Idaho joins an increasing number of states passing school choice legislation providing pivotal opportunities for families seeking alternatives like homeschooling," explained Covenant Journey Academy in a statement.
The homeschool academy's founder and chancellor, Mat Staver, added, "As failing academics and radical ideologies dominate public schools, parents are experiencing an awakening. Homeschooling provides the freedom to nurture children's minds while instilling values that prepare them for life, service, their career, and every future endeavor to which God calls them."
Idaho becomes the 14th state to enact universal school choice legislation, joining Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Utah, and West Virginia.
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