With Arkansas legislators on Spring Break, we're wrapping this week a little early. The 94th Arkansas General Assembly will be back in full swing on Monday (March 27th).
Our focus is still on stopping SB71. Despite some confusion, this anti-affirmative action bill is NOT dead. It was brought back to the House State Agencies & Govt'l Affairs Committee agenda last week.
SB71 has already passed the Senate and we're not taking any chances. Please help stop this racist, sexist, ableist bill!
Let's keep flooding Representatives with calls and emails, telling them to VOTE NO on SB71!
♦️Leave a message for your Representative at 501-682-6211
♦️ Find more information & House State Agencies Committee member contact info at www.citizensfirst.org/stopsb71.
CFC PRIORITY LEGISLATION:
End the Uyghur Genocide
SR34: To Encourage The State Of Arkansas To Refrain From Contracting With Companies Or Entities That Benefit From Uyghur Forced Labor.
Sponsor: Senator Linda Chesterfield (D)
Summary: This resolution would clearly show Arkansas' opposition to China's atrocious treatment of the Uyghur people and other populations by encouraging state entities to retain from contracting with companies or entities that benefit from Uyghur forced labor.
It would be a gateway for future legislation to show support for the Uyghur people, as well as other ethnic groups that are being targeted in the Xinjiang region. This resolution serves as a tool to educate the Arkansas legislators and the public, bringing attention to this major human rights crisis.
Why It Matters: The Uyghurs are a majority Muslim, Turkic ethnic group. Their homeland is Xinjiang, China (formerly known as East Turkestan). Uyghurs are being detained into internment camps because of their religious beliefs and culture. Over one million Uyghur people have been detained so far.
Uyghurs are being forced to deny their religion and culture while being politically indoctrinated and psychologically abused. They are sterilized, physically exploited, and forced to work in horrible conditions. The Chinese government calls the camps "re-education" camps and will not take responsibility for the human rights abuses occurring within.
For more information, visit the youth-led End the Uyghur Genocide project website here.Current Status: Filed March 20 in the Senate.
Don't miss the next Panel Friday Webinar about SR34!
Find more information, go to the Facebook Event Page here.
Book Ban bill passed House, Senate but diluted
SB81: To Amend the Law Concerning Libraries and Obscene Materials; To Create the Offense of Furnishing Harmful Items to a Minor.
Lead Sponsor: Rep. Mary Bentley (R)
CFC Stance: Oppose
Summary: This bill has undergone several amendments, and it now seeks to limit access to certain books in both public and school libraries that some deem to be obscene. It would establish a process in which local elected officials have the final say on which books are relocated within a library, though each library will decide its relocation policy.
Why It Matters: This bill gets into very dangerous First Amendment territory, hacking away at our fundamental right to read, teach and learn. Libraries are already forbidden from allowing obscene material and every book that is challenged undergoes a review by a library media specialist. Most of the books cited are from LGBTQ+ authors though the scope is so wide that other books could be challenged as well.
Current Status: Passed both Senate and House, heading back to the Senate to concur an amendment.
Further Reading: "What happens to our culture when books are banned: 'A chilling effect'" / "House lawmakers pass bill to criminalize Arkansas librarians..."
Join us April 1 for
Arkansas Youth Civic Engagement Day!
Find more info & register here: shorturl.at/vwAS3
All ages are welcome but please share this event with youth and young adults in your network!
