Community Call to Action: Stop HB 127

*Note that these calls to action are outdated and no longer active. The post is public for archival purposes

We, the Filipino Leadership Alumni Network, oppose House Bill 127 and the dangerous implications it has for our community, particularly for students and teachers.

Recently, the Georgia Senate Education Committee added text from a “dead” bill, Senate Bill 120, which reinstates anti-DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) language into this legislation.

The amended language from the bill states: "Local education agencies and post-secondary institutions shall not promote, support, or maintain any programs or activities that advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion."

This tactic is deplorable, and we firmly reject HB 127.

This bill will negatively impact both students and teachers.

Professors who teach and conduct research on topics considered divisive under the bill's definition may find their jobs at risk, and their funding could be cut. We have received reports of Georgia Tech researchers who have already experienced premature funding cuts, even though the bill has not passed. This situation poses a threat to Filipino graduate students, professors, and teachers in our community.

Additionally, this bill endangers the existence of Filipino Student Associations (FSAs), which many of us in FLAN had the privilege of being a part of at our respective schools. FSAs generally fall under the umbrella of multicultural programming in many, if not all, schools.

If HB 127 passes, it could result in cuts to funding and ultimately lead to the dissolution of cultural clubs like FSA.

What can you do?

Call and email your Georgia State Senator and tell them to reject HB 127

You can find your State Senator on the Georgia Assembly website and find their office number and email address.

https://www.legis.ga.gov/

If you know how to do it, lobby at the Capitol!

You can talk to your legislator directly at the Georgia Capitol. Make sure to check the legislative calendar, and if you prefer office visits, make sure to schedule an appointment ahead of time with the state senator.

Look for actions led by other organizations!

Local organizations are taking the lead on the ground. Check them out for any mobilization updates. There are already actions planned for this Friday so make sure to follow them.

@gtstudentsforbelonging

@georgiayouthco

@ucwga

Together, we can stop this bill before Friday.