BILLS THREATENING PUBLIC EDUCATION & WHAT YOU CAN DO
Media Alert for bills SB 88 & SB 1232
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
STATEMENT REGARDING PUBLIC EDUCATION & LIFEWISE
& WHAT YOU CAN DO
Do Something Southern Indiana stands firmly in support of public education that serves ALL students equally, regardless of religious beliefs or lack thereof. We believe the separation of church and state is not a restriction on religious freedom — it is the protection of religious freedom for all.
Public schools work best when they remain secular institutions that welcome every child, honor every family's beliefs, and unite our community through excellent education. We stand for public education that serves ALL students.
We oppose LifeWise Academy's implementation in our public schools and call for the protection of instructional time from religious disruption during the school day. We stand against programs that disrupt learning, divide children, and compromise the inclusive nature of our public schools.
Religious Instruction Introduced During Instruction Hours In New Albany-Floyd County Schools
This is a critical moment for our community. We need Do Something members to show up, speak out, and make sure every parent, teacher, and neighbor knows what’s at stake.
You can help by:
Attending school board meetings
Sharing information with friends and family
Writing letters to the editor
Amplifying our message on social media
Together, we can keep our schools welcoming, inclusive, and focused on education—not religious division.
Join our Protecting Public Education Committee.
Together for Democracy & Justice
2026 Do Something Southern Indiana
