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Who is the CT Freedom to Learn Coalition and what is SB 298?

The Connecticut Freedom to Learn Coalition (FTL) is made up of educators, faith, labor, and civil rights organizations working to protect the freedom to learn in Connecticut. Over 30 organizations have signed on to a letter to legislative leaders including CSU AAUP, Trinity College AAUP, and the UConn Graduate Employee & Postdoc Union. Groups are united in the belief that every student deserves schools where they can ask questions, explore ideas, and learn truthful history.

FTL was formed in response to an omnibus education bill that the CT Legislative Education Committee is set to vote on this session - see SB 298, line 419. Please note that when this article is published, the vote has likely already taken place. As initially written, however, the legislation would empower a small group to shape education policy without meaningful oversight or a clear non-politicized definition of antisemitism, creating a chilling effect in classrooms throughout the state. Similar efforts in other states have led to self-censorship and the silencing of educators and students.
 
We refuse these efforts to divide our communities. Teaching honest history helps students think critically, understand diverse perspectives, and imagine a better future. Together, we stand for safe, inclusive schools - across race, religion, and background - with no exceptions. We stand for the freedom to learn. 

FTL's advocacy is based on our shared values:
  1. We stand united against antisemitism, anti-Palestinian racism, Islamophobia, and all forms of racism.
  2. We reject any state policy that would redefine and weaponize antisemitism in order to silence honest teaching and discussion of Israel and Palestine in our schools and campuses.
  3. We reject any definition of antisemitism that equates anti-Zionism with antisemitism.
  4. We reject the false claim that Zionism is an inherent part of Judaism. We defend the religious freedom of Jews who practice Judaism without Zionism.
  5. We honor the diversity of Jewish life in Connecticut. No organization speaks for all Jews in the state. Any policy on antisemitism must reflect the full diversity of Jewish perspectives.
  6. We create safety by building solidarity between Jewish, Palestinian, Black, Brown, indigenous, immigrant, and all communities targeted by racism. We reject policies that isolate antisemitism from other forms of oppression.
  7. Policing, surveilling, and censoring educators and students does not make our schools safer.
  8. We must confront white supremacy and Christian nationalism, which are driving rising antisemitism and racism.
  9. We support honest education, free speech, and academic freedom. Students deserve accurate information and the chance to think for themselves. Connecticut residents must be free to critique any government — including the U.S. and Israeli governments.
  10. Silencing discussions about these topics harms both Jewish and Palestinian students. Many Jewish communities across the country have taken courageous leadership in calling for a ceasefire and for the protection of Palestinian life — grounded in Jewish values of justice, dignity, and our shared responsibility to repair the world.
  11. We defend the right to peaceful protest. No student, educator, or community member should be penalized for speaking out against the actions of any government.
If you are interested in more information, please email the socialjustice@ucpea.org.
 
Please see the below for the list of over 30 organizations that have signed onto the letter to legislative leaders.

4Cs SEIU 1973

AFT-CT PreK-12 Council

CSU AAUP Palestine Solidarity Working Group

Hartford Federation of Teachers

New Haven Federation of Teachers

Social Justice Committee of UConn Professional Employees Association

Trinity College chapter of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP)

UConn Graduate Employee & Postdoc Union

Windham Federation of Teachers

Wesleyan University AAUP Executive Committee

Anti-Racist Teaching & Learning Collective

Bridgeport Islamic Community Center

Connecticut Democratic Socialists of America

Connecticut Palestine Alliance

Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR-CT)

CT Civil Liberties Defense Committee

Green Party of Connecticut

First Congregational Church of Old Lyme

Hartford Jewish Organizing Collective

Healthcare Workers for Palestine - Connecticut

Islamic Association of Greater Hartford

Jewish Voice for Peace - Hartford

Jewish Voice for Peace - New Haven

Jewish Voice for Peace - UConn

Mending Minyan Synagogue

Middle East Crisis Committee (CT)

Muslim Advocacy for Rights, Unity, and Fairness (MARUF CT)

Muslim Coalition of CT (MCCT)

Possible Futures

Promoting Enduring Peace

Shalom United Church of Christ

Tree of Life Educational Fund

Waterbury Islamic Cultural Center

West End Acts

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