 |  | Say "NO" to Religious Chaplains in Schools |
|
|
| | Do you think public school counselors should be replaced by religious chaplains? That's exactly what SB1269 would do... and it's up for a vote this week. Sponsored by Sen. Wendy Rogers (R) — known (among other things) for praising white nationalists, perpetuating the racist conspiracy theory known as the “great replacement” theory, and describing church:state separation as a "myth" — SB1269 would allow schools to replace trained school counselors with volunteer religious chaplains. The bill passed the House on party lines. Rep. David Marshall (R) explained his support by saying, “I think Jesus is a lot better than a psychologist." Rep. Matt Gress (R) said, "I’ve heard that there is a mental health crisis afflicting kids. Now I don’t necessarily think in many of these cases that something is medically wrong with kids. I think, perhaps, there is a spiritual deficit that needs to be addressed." This conveniently ignores that in a world based on facts, rather than magical thinking, volunteer chaplains' religious training doesn't mean they're equipped to handle issues that come up in school counseling, such as depression, anxiety, abuse, self-harm, and suicidal ideation. As Secular AZ Legal Director Dianne Post explained in a letter to the Education Committee: The issues of children in school are a real-world problem that require a real-world solution, not a plea for nonexistent supernatural intervention. Chaplains as the answer is an admission you intend to do nothing meaningful or practical to help children. An amendment proposed by Gress would have made this bill even more harmful, such as that school administrators can exclude chaplains if their pedagogy "differs from that of the school" or do not acknowledge “the existence of…one or more supernatural entities” that have “power over the natural world.” This (purposefully) vague language would eliminate, for instance, atheists, Humanists, and The Satanic Temple from participating (TST has helpfully volunteered to provide chaplains if the bill becomes law.) SB1269 clearly violates the Establishment Clause... and it'll be on the House floor on 4/15/25. Contact your own representatives and tell them you oppose this bill. If you want to write your representatives, here are tips and a template to make it easier for you. Tell Governor Hobbs to veto these bills that violate church:state separation: - SB2058: Exempts adult students from vaccine requirements based on personal beliefs, not science. Not based in science/facts; public health hazard.
- SB2063: Schools must tell parents about ways to be exempt from vaccine requirements. Not based in science/facts; public health hazard.
- HB2062: Would remove gender-related terms in AZ law and replace with sex-related terms, effectively erasing trans, non-binary and intersex people.
- HB2126: Would require health care provider to give parents of minors access to electronic data, including records of procedures that do not require parental consent. Could keep minors from accessing contraceptive, sexual health, gender-affirming care.
Contact your own representatives and ask them to oppose: - SB1256: Prevents state agencies or contractors from providing or requiring DEI in hiring, training and promotion. Promotes white Christian nationalism.
- SB1584: Forces public schools hiring policies to be based solely on “merit” and encourages individuals to sue for claims of reverse racism. Leads to discrimination based on religion, sexual orientation.
|
| |
|
| |  | Fighting Back Against Hate Join us on April 18 at noon as we welcome Wendy Via, Co-Founder, CEO and President of the Global Project Against Hate and Extremism, to learn how we can all fight against the tide of hate and violence. Launched in 2020, the GPAHE addresses the gap in efforts to stop transnational hate and far-right extremism movements, particularly U.S.-based activity that is exported to other countries and across borders. GPAHE works to reduce the associated violence and tackles systemic problems rooted in hate in our governments and societies. |
| |
|
 | Riley Black: When the Earth Was Green Did you miss last week's guest Riley Black, widely published science journalist and author of When the Earth Was Green: Plants, Animals and Evolution’s Greatest Romance? Good news: You can watch on the Secular AZ YouTube Channel! You won't want to miss this fascinating presentation by Black, recipient of the Friend of Darwin Award. Our audience members commented that "I feel smarter just watching this presentation," and "I learned so much from this expert and very skilled communicator!" Click here to watch Riley Black's talk |
| |
|
| |  | Arizona Book Bans Seminar We're pleased to announce that Secular AZ Legal Director Dianne Post and Secular Communities for Arizona's seminar is the recipient of the State Bar of Arizona President's Award. The seminar, entitled "Book Banning: Does the First Amendment Allow for These Content-Based Restrictions?" will be presented at the Arizona State Bar Convention this summer; the presenters will discuss the Scopes Trial of 1925 and ask whether the rule of law has defended or advanced on that topic. The Convention's 2025 theme is Defending and Advancing the Rule of Law. |
| |
|
 | Lager with a Lawyer Join us Tuesday, May 7th from 6-8p for Lager with a Lawyer, where you’ll get the chance to engage directly with two sharp legal minds working on the front lines of church:state separation and constitutional rights. Guest lawyer Dianne Post and Robert McWhirter, nationally recognized constitutional attorney and frequent national media contributor, will bring insightful, witty commentary on civil liberties, criminal justice, and the Constitution. This is your chance to bring questions, share concerns, or just enjoy an evening of thoughtful discussion in a relaxed setting with others who care about defending democracy and secular values. Your suggested contribution of $10 or more supports Secular AZ’s ongoing legal and advocacy work across the state. RSVP now! |
| |
|
| SECULAR NEWS FROM AZ AND BEYOND Stand up against the real bullies: A high school cheerleading coach was terminated by the Yuma Union High School District board for allowing a male student to change in an (empty) girls locker room. The district cited "personnel matters" and revoked the coach's teaching certificate. Students allege that the coach was actually protecting the male student from bullying and harassment, and that she's being targeted by the board for supporting LGBTQ+ students. Students and community members have rallied in the coach's defense, arguing the decision was unjust and discriminatory, and urging the board to reinstate her. Read more and sign a petition. Snitches get... stitches?: Sure, Christians are a huge majority that owns and runs basically everything in the U.S., but they're the real victims here, OK? At least according to the Trump administration, which has instructed State Department employees to inform on their co-workers report instances of "anti-Christian bias." Director Marco "prolific social media poster of hypocritical bible verses" Rubio's issued the directive as part of an executive order to address completely nonsensical and nonexistent discrimination against Christians. Employees have been asked to submit anonymous reports detailing incidents, which will create a culture of fear and could be used to legitimize discrimination against marginalized groups. Read more. According to my deeply held beliefs, that's definitely a person, not a fetus... nope, my bad, that's definitely a fetus: In a predictable totally shocking about-face, a Catholic hospital is arguing in court that a fetus is NOT a person with full personhood. Why? Because the hospital faces a malpractice lawsuit and wants to limit damages in a case where a woman claims hospital negligence led to the death of her fetus. The hospital cites legal technicalities, despite adhering to Catholic directives against abortion, highlighting their massive hypocrisy a conflict between their legal defense and religious practices. So much for those deeply held religious beliefs that we're all supposed to respect. Read more. SCOTUS watch: The Supreme Court heard arguments on whether to uphold a Wisconsin ruling protecting workers at religious organizations. At stake is the scope of religious exemptions in labor laws. Catholic Charities argues for broad exemptions based on religious motive, which of course the Trump administration supports. But such exemptions could undermine worker protections and create a two-tiered system based on religious privilege. Justices raised concerns about defining "religious purpose" and the potential for widespread exemptions, impacting various sectors and millions of workers. Read more. |
|
|
| | | |
|
| | | | Secular AZ
PO Box 47756 | Phoenix, Arizona 85068
6023804810 | info@secularaz.org |
| | |
|
| |
|
|
