Oregon House of Representatives. (Caleb Wolf/Special to Salem Reporter)
On Saturday, the Oregon House overwhelmingly passed a bill intended to keep hate symbols out of schools.
THE ISSUE: Neo-Nazi symbols, nooses and the Confederate battle flag have been used to harass and intimidate people of color.
THE BILL: House Bill 2697
WHAT IT DOES: Bans these symbols from being displayed in schools, with exceptions for use in academic materials. It also requires schools to adopt policies aimed at bias incidents.
WHY IT WAS PROPOSED: Proponents say there has been a rise in hate crimes and speech against students.
HOW THE MARION/POLK DELEGATION VOTED:
State Rep. Brian Clem, D-Salem: Excused
State Rep. Paul Evans, D-Monmouth: Yes
State Rep. Raquel Moore-Green, R-Salem: Yes
State Rep. Mike Nearman, R-Independence: Excused
Sate Rep. Bill Post, R-Keizer: Yes
State Rep. Teresa Alonso León, D-Woodburn: Yes
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT: The bill moves to the Senate for consideration.
-Jake Thomas
