CITY OF OKLAHOMA – Two days ago, a bill was passed by a Senate committee that would stop state workers from protesting at work.
Dusty Deevers (R-Elgin), introduced Senate Bill 481, wrote it. People who work for school districts, state agencies, or government subdivisions and whose “salary or wages are paid with taxpayer dollars” would not be able to protest while they are on the job.
He said, “It protects employees’ right to free speech, but they can still talk about politics on their own time, but not on taxpayers’ time and taxpayers’ money.”
The bill also says that state workers can’t use computers, tools, or cars that were paid for by taxpayers while protesting.
It’s important to know that the First Amendment protects people’s freedom of speech but not their freedom to work for the government and be politically active while they’re on the job, Deevers said.
In Oklahoma, there have been protests against immigration and school board choices in the past few weeks.
Also, a lot of people remember the 2018 Oklahoma Teacher Walkout, where teachers and staff asked for better pay. After nine days, a choice was made.
People who are against the bill question how broad it is.
“This is meant to stop public employees from working together and reaching out to the community,” said Sen. Julia Kirt (D-Oklahoma City). “The definitions are so broad that they don’t make a difference between protests, advocacy, and community outreach.” It seems like it would cause issues at the neighborhood level. I can’t back up this road.”
The bill will now go to the Senate floor after passing by a vote of 6-2.
