BILLS THREATENING PUBLIC EDUCATION & WHAT YOU CAN DO
Things are moving FAST in Indiana. We Need to Do the Same.
DSSIN released a statement to the media opposing HB 1086 — the Ten Commandments classroom mandate. Indiana House Education Committee votes on this Monday, Jan. 26, 2026.
Here's what you can do RIGHT NOW:
This isn't a gray area. SCOTUS ruled this unconstitutional in 1980. Louisiana tried — courts blocked it. Texas tried — courts blocked it. Indiana wants to waste YOUR tax dollars on the same losing fight.
CALL NOW: Committee Chair Behning 317-232-9753
Say: "I oppose HB 1086. It's unconstitutional and wastes taxpayer money. Vote NO." It takes two minutes.
Public schools serve ALL kids. The Constitution isn't optional. DO SOMETHING.
Template Suggestion for SB 88 Opposition
Submit at MadVoters.org OR send directly to Indiana State Senators listed.
Instructions:
Copy & paste into your own email or document
Fill in the [BRACKETS] with your personal information
Choose the options that apply to you
Add your own specific examples or concerns
Delete any sections that don’t apply
Make it YOUR voice—the most powerful testimony is honest and personal
My name is [FIRST NAME, LAST NAME]. I live in [CITY/TOWN], in [COUNTY] County, and Senator Gary Byrne is my state senator.
Choose one or more that apply to you:
I’m a public-school parent. My [child/children] [attend/attended] [SCHOOL NAME OR DISTRICT].
I’m a grandparent of children in Indiana public schools.
I’m a public-school teacher/educator in [DISTRICT OR SUBJECT AREA].
I’m a taxpayer who believes my tax dollars should support quality education for all children.
I’m a person of faith who believes in the separation of church and state.
I’m a [YOUR PROFESSION] who cares about Indiana’s future workforce.
I’m writing to oppose SB 88, and I ask the committee to vote no.
Choose or customize why this matters to you:
As a [parent/grandparent/educator/taxpayer/person of faith], I’m deeply concerned about what this bill would do to our public schools.
SB 88 would mandate instruction on the Ten Commandments in public schools. Public schools serve families of all faiths and no faith. When government promotes one religion’s texts, it tells other families their beliefs don’t count. That’s not religious freedom—that’s religious favoritism.
This bill also would restrict teachers from discussing racism, sexism, and class. You can’t teach American history honestly without these conversations. Our children deserve an education that prepares them to think critically about the world—not one that hides uncomfortable truths.
Optional: add your personal experience:
Example: “My daughter learned about the Civil Rights Movement in her public-school classroom. Those lessons shaped who she is today. SB 88 would make that kind of honest education harder to deliver.”
Example: “As someone who teaches [SUBJECT], I know that critical thinking is essential for success in college and careers. This bill undermines exactly the skills Indiana students need.”
Emphasize lack of transparency:
I’m troubled that Senator Byrne introduced this bill without any public discussion in our community. There were no town halls, no forums, no opportunity for parents and educators to weigh in. He didn’t ask us. That’s not representation.
Your request:
Our schools face real challenges—teacher shortages, underfunding, and helping students recover from pandemic learning loss. SB 88 addresses none of them. I urge the committee to vote no on SB 88. Our children deserve better.
Thank you for considering my testimony.
[YOUR NAME]
[CITY], [COUNTY] County, Indiana
Suggestions for strong testimony:
BE SPECIFIC: Mention your town, your kids’ school, your profession, etc…
BE PERSONAL: Share a real experience or concern
BE BRIEF: Stick to 500 words or less
BE CLEAR: State your position (oppose) and your ask (vote no)
BE YOU: Write in your own voice—don’t worry about being a policy expert
Key points to consider including:
Separation of church and state protects religious freedom for everyone
Restricting discussions of racism/sexism undermines honest history education
Critical thinking skills are essential for college and career readiness
Indiana is already struggling to attract and retain teachers
Senator Byrne introduced this without consulting constituents
Our schools have real problems that need attention instead
This bill is part of a national effort to blur church-state boundaries
Submit your testimony:
Go to: MadVoters.org
Find: SB 88
Click: Submit Testimony
Your words may be printed and delivered to lawmakers.
Organizers may read excerpts (first name only) in committee hearings.
You also can send direct emails and call to voice your position.
Contact:
State Senator and SB 88 author:
Sen. Gary Byrne: 317-232-9400
Education & Career Development Committee
Sen. Jeff Raatz, Chair:
s27@iga.in.gov • 317-233-0930