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Utah Senate approves bill restricting school recognition of certain student clubs after heated debate
Summary
The Utah Senate passed SB1003 in a special session, allowing local school boards to deny or limit recognition of student organizations whose activities 'materially and substantially' encourage criminal conduct, promote bigotry, or 'involve human sexuality.' Sponsors said the move protects students; opponents warned of legal risk under the federal Equal Access Act and urged public review.
The Utah State Senate on April 17 passed Senate Bill 1003, a measure that gives local school boards authority to deny or limit official recognition of student clubs whose programs the board finds would "materially and substantially" encourage criminal or delinquent conduct, promote bigotry, or involve human sexuality.
Sponsor Senator Craig Taylor said the measure was intended to reassert local control and protect students' physical, emotional and moral well-being. "Anything that would shorten the expected lifespan of an individual by as much as 30 years is very dangerous," Taylor said in summation, framing part of the bill as a public‑health concern and arguing for prompt judicial resolution if the statute is challenged.
The bill combines language from two earlier proposals debated during the regular session. It…
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