Beware Students, Arkansas Has New Locker Room/Bathroom Laws and More!

The state of Arkansas has taken a strong stance on transgenderism as we begin the new school year there are new laws affecting the classroom, sports, and participating in field trips. The following three laws went into effect on August 1 of this year: 

ACT 315 - Relates to Bathroom Usage/Overnight Sleeping Accommodations

This Act directly relates to the bathrooms a student can use, showers, dressing room, and sleeping accommodations starting this school year.

When using a multi-person locker room or dressing facility, shower room, or bathroom, they must use the sex designation given to them on their birth certificate.

When on an overnight trip sharing sleeping accommodations, the same rules apply, students must be roomed with members of their same sex as defined by their birth certificate, or, have a private room supplied. See Act 315 for complete rules.

Act 542 - Personal Pronouns Not Accepted Unless Approved by Parent

This act protects teachers, parents, fellow students, and persons under the age of 18 from compelled speech. Everyone has a First Amendment right to speak their mind and parents for sure have the right to know what their child is doing or requesting how educators refer to them. If students wish to be called by a pronoun or name that doesn't fit their gender at birth or given name, the minor student must provide written parental consent. See Act 542 for complete rules.

Act 788 - The Religious Viewpoint Anti-Discrimination Act

Public schools, districts, administrators, teachers, etc., shall not discriminate against any student for having or expressing a religious viewpoint. This includes schoolwork, homework, art, and open classroom discussion. All work must be graded and judged by ordinary academic standards of substance and relevance. See Act 788 for complete rules.

What do you think? Did Arkansas get these laws...

• Right?
• Close?
• Missed it by a mile?

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