As Episcopalians and as followers of Jesus, we affirm the dignity of every human being. As Christians in the United States, we affirm the separation of religion and state and value the religious freedom that allows us as Episcopalians to practice our faith as we believe in it, while allowing others to practice their beliefs freely. Public institutions, such as public colleges and universities, are to refrain from giving preferential treatment to certain religious, ideological or political views over others.
PROMO Missouri - the statewide LGBTQ+ advocacy organization - and MoEEP - the Missouri Equity Education Partnership-Action which mobilizes those who support diversity, equity, and inclusion for ALL have issued a joint call for stories to oppose HB 1518, which would allow private organizations on public college and university campuses to discriminate against marginalized groups in membership and leadership. Please share this call to action widely, especially among young adults and current college students. The Missouri Legislature is currently on Spring Break and will reconvene on Monday, March 25, 2024.
From the March 16, 2024 MoEEP Action Legislative Update
HB 1518 (Hudson) would allow college organizations to discriminate against marginalized groups in membership and leadership. This bill has moved from House to Senate already and will probably continue to move. Lived experiences of real people make a difference. Help us provide stories to lawmakers so they can share them on the Senate floor! No names will be shared with them, just the stories.
PLEASE use this link from PROMO to share your story about involvement in/with college organizations. Consider one or more of these questions:
- Why are student clubs and student activities meaningful to you?
- How have clubs and activities helped you develop leadership skills?
- Can you describe the safety you feel accessing student activities without the fear of discrimination?
- What is a specific example of what it is like to be a higher education student in Missouri right now?
After you’ve shared YOUR story, PLEASE share the link with at least ONE other person who would be willing to share their experience!