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For Immediate
Release
3/31/09
Senate Passes McIlhinney Military Uniforms
Legislation
HARRISBURG – The Senate approved legislation by a vote of
49-1 today that would prohibit public school officials from discriminating
against members of the Armed Forces, according to Sen. Chuck McIlhinney (R-Bucks
and Montgomery).
Senate Bill 206 would prohibit any principal, superintendent or school
official from denying any member of the military entry to school facilities
because he or she is wearing a military uniform. Military members would still be
expected to comply with a school’s visitor policy, but they could not be denied
access because of their uniforms, McIlhinney said.
The legislation stemmed from several incidents in which
military members visiting friends and former teachers were denied access to
school grounds due to their military uniforms. McIlhinney’s bill would ensure
that no school official could impose restrictions on wearing military uniforms
on school property.
"The members of our Armed Forces have sacrificed a great
deal to earn the right to wear those military uniforms, and we should not allow
a select few school officials to make some of the finest and bravest members of
our community feel like second-class citizens," McIlhinney said. "I am pleased
that the Senate has taken action to end this unfair discrimination and allow our
men and women serving in the Armed Forces to proudly display their uniforms when
they stop by to visit friends and former teachers."
Several members of Semper Fi Families, an organization that
offers guidance and support to families of those serving in the military, joined
McIlhinney in Harrisburg for today’s vote.
Senate Bill 206 will now go to the House of Representatives
for consideration.
Contact:
Heather
Cevasco
(215) 489-5000
Additional Information:
Supporting Pennsylvania Veterans
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