Bill Bans Some Student Clubs, Limits Utah Teachers' Speech

By Drew Lindsay

Utah would require school boards statewide to ban controversial extracurricular clubs under legislation passed last week, but critics say any such measure would violate student rights guaranteed under federal law.

The bill also would limit teachers' speech outside the classroom, making it illegal for school staff members and volunteers to "support or encourage" criminal conduct in their private lives if such actions led to disruption in schools.

State lawmakers agreed in a special session late last week to force districts to prohibit student clubs that promote bigotry, encourage criminal conduct, or discuss issues of sexuality. Republican Gov. Michael O. Leavitt is expected...