It appears that Arizona has ‘smaller fish to fry’.
Senators in the Arizona state legislature have introduced a bill that
would require all educational institutions in the state, including
state universities, to suspend or fire professors who say or do things
that aren’t allowed on network TV.
At a time when the Supreme Court is deciding if FCC imposed limits on “indecent” content in broadcast media are outdated, Arizona state legislators want to limit college professors to a PG rating.
Arizona Senate Bill 1467 states that “if a person who provides classroom instruction in a public school engages in speech or conduct that would violate the standards adopted by the federal communications commission” the following measures must be taken:
1. For the first occurrence, the school shall suspend the person, at a minimum, for one week of employment, and the person shall not receive any compensation for the duration of the suspension. This paragraph does not prohibit a school after the first occurrence from suspending the person for a longer duration or terminating the employment of that person.
2. For the second occurrence, the school shall suspend the person, at a minimum, for two weeks of employment, and the person shall not receive any compensation for the duration of the suspension. This paragraph does not prohibit a school after the second occurrence from suspending the person for a longer duration or terminating the employment of that person.
3. For the third occurrence, the school shall terminate the employment of the person This paragraph does not prohibit a school after the first or second occurrence from terminating the employment of that person.
So, what are the implications of such a bill?
Aside from its questionable Constitutionality, critics of the bill say it would also serve to dilute the educational ability of teachers by imposing strict limits on the subjects they can discuss. And, as Angus Johnson at The National writes:
Note the language of the bill: You’re violating the law if you engage “in speech or conduct” that would violate FCC standards if “broadcast on television or radio.” Not public speech or conduct. Speech or conduct, full stop.
If this law passes, it will be illegal for any “person who provides classroom instruction” in the state of Arizona to have sex.
Or pee.
What do you think?
