The proposed bill states, a “school shall not advocate for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.” Under the guise of protecting students against discrimination, the bill prohibits K-12 schools from promoting DEI. Events like Manual’s annual multicultural fair would no longer be protected under state law. At the event, participants were able to share their culture with their classmates through food and dance. This sent a message to the student body: their identity is worth celebrating. Banning such an event would not protect students, but would instead make them feel as if they are not welcome at school.

SB 93 also bans schools from endorsing “Political or Social Activism.” Students have their first amendment right to free speech, petition and assembly, just the same as anyone else, and the legislators should not try to diminish that. Previously, Manual students have advocated through protests and walkouts on campus. In recent years, students have protested against the overturning of Roe v. Wade and just last year, against the passing of SB 150 which took away many rights for students in the LGBTQ+ community. If SB 93 comes to pass, such protests may not be tolerated at schools. Students should be taught to be active and engaged citizens who think critically about the world around them and advocate for a better one. The state requires Kentucky students learn about democracy and government, but it is unfair for them to do so without allowing students to actively participate.