CEA is the professional organization and recognized bargaining agent for educators in the Canyons School District.
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Use this link to join now! If you would like a paper form, please see your Association Building Representative or call the office! Watch this video for help on how to join
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House Bill 77 Flag Law Now in Effect: What You Need to Know New state requirements limit which flags can be displayed at schools. Get key legal guidance and next steps to stay compliant. Dear UEA Members, Today, HB77: Flag Display Amendments goes into effect, creating new legal requirements around what flags can be displayed at schools and on government property. This controversial law may directly impact your classroom and workplace. UEA’s General Counsel, Tracey M. Watson, performed a limited review of HB77 and (R277-217-2(25)), and provided the following key guidance:
HB77 (now 63G-1-704) focus is limited to flags. It defines what is considered a flag and limits which ones can be displayed. You can read the law here.
Existing collateral educator regulations, such as, R277-217-2(25) remain in effect. This regulation was passed prior to 63G-1-704 and appears intended to address a different set of concerns. This regulation prohibits educators from using their position to actively endorse, promote, or disparage particular beliefs and viewpoints: partisan, religious, denominational, sectarian, agnostic, or atheistic. You can review the regulation here.
It is recommended that you be familiar with all requirements and prohibitions included in R277-217-1 and 2.
What this means for you:
Items that create a welcoming environment, like inclusive classroom decorations, are not prohibited by HB77 as long as they are not flags or otherwise disallowed by your local school board policies.
Flags are now strictly regulated. Only those allowed under HB77, such as the U.S. flag, Utah state flag, and others listed in the law, may be displayed.
Always follow your district’s policies and specific directives, which may have additional restrictions.
Important:
If you are instructed by your administration to remove a flag or display, you must comply while working through appropriate channels to challenge the directive if appropriate and necessary.
Even if you believe an item is legal, failure to follow directives can result in allegations of insubordination and can expose you to discipline.
While we know many of you are deeply committed to creating safe and welcoming spaces for all students, we encourage you to focus on personal conduct and professional relationships in the classroom rather than on symbols that may draw complaints or lead to disruption.
“My advice would be to consider your conduct and make it welcoming and professional for all your students. Don’t place the focus on the sign or the symbol,” Watson said. We recommend:
Engaging in open conversations with your principals and administrators.
Staying informed of any changes in district policies or state regulations.
Contacting your UniServ Director if you have questions or face concerns about compliance.
We understand this law raises strong feelings, and we are here to support you as you navigate it. Thank you for your ongoing dedication to Utah’s students.
In Solidarity, Hailey Higgins UEA Dir. of Communication and PR
Legal fine print (because we have to say it): This guidance is based exclusively on HB77 and Utah Administrative Rule R277-217-2(25). It is limited in scope and does not address any other statutes, regulations, or policies that may apply.
Your stories and experiences are powerful tools for influencing legislators. Please contact your legislator today! You are a constituent of the legislators who represent the area where you live as well as the area where you work. Reminder: Please do not use district property (devices or email addresses) or contact legislators during contract time.
Consider sharing:
Why you chose to become an educator
Examples from your classroom - what's going well and what's challenging
What more you could achieve with additional resources or support
Why you're an association member and how the association has supported your career
Ways the association advocates for educators. Dispel misconceptions like the idea that we "protect bad teachers", include your story of how the association supported you in an employment matter
Consider asking them to:
Invest in Utah's educators and students - Increase funding for the Weighted Pupil Unit (WPU) to give each district the flexibility to address its unique needs while fully funding all legislative mandates. This investment is critical for retaining and recruiting educators to our profession, ensuring a high-quality education for every student.
Preserve our freedom to belong to an association - Protecting the right to our association membership ensures a united approach to advocating for fair working conditions, equitable resources for students, collaborative problem-solving with our districts, and upholding professional rights and respect. Our association empowers educators to unite in their pursuit of high-quality public education, fostering collaboration and progress that benefits our schools and communities.
Push pause on new education legislation - Each year, the legislature passes numerous bills that significantly impact public education. It is challenging for districts to continuously adapt, especially when subsequent bills amend or replace prior ones. A pause would allow districts to focus on effectively implementing existing policies, providing stability for educators and students. This time for reflection would help evaluate the impact of past legislation, prioritize what works, and build a stronger foundation for sustainable improvements in education.
To advance the cause of public education in partnership with others, strengthen the teaching profession, promote quality schools for students of Canyons School District, and advocate for the well-being of members.