Date: Fri, 16 Feb 1996 02:28:11 -0500
From: ac245@osfn.rhilinet.gov (Tina M. Wood)
Subject: Legislative Alert: schools nondiscrimination bill


Legislative Alert

An Act Relating to Schools Discrimination

A bill is pending in the Special Legislation Committee of RI
Legislature to add sexual orientation, religion, and national
origin to the current law regarding discrimination in schools.
(The current law protects students from discrimination on the
basis of race, color, age and sex.)

The Purpose of the Bill

*It gives every student the right to attend school free from fear,
harassment and discrimination.

*It provides protection based on sexual orientation or perceived
sexual orientation.  Many studnets who are treated badly are not
actually gay or lesbian.

*It gives all students the right to bring action if they feel they
have been discriminated against in public schools.

*It provides an added incentive for schools to enforce existing
harassment policies or develop effective ones.

*It gives all students access to equal educational opportunities
including extra-curricular activities within schools.


What can you do?

*Call, write and visit your Representative and Senator.  Let them know
that you support safety in schools for all students and that this bill
can help.  Call your local Board of Canvassers to find out the names of
your elected officials.  Tell three friends to do the same.

*Testify at the committee hearings which will be held in early March.

*Call the Youth Bill Coalition at (401)421-5626 for more info.

--
  ______   Tina M. Wood                     ac245@osfn.rhilinet.gov
  \    /   Cumberland, Rhode Island                   twood@qrd.org
   \  /    Homepage: http://drycas.club.cc.cmu.edu/~maire/home.html           
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