In Oregon, Tina Kotek(the governer of Oregon) has recently put out an executive order mandating an electronic ban in all Oregon public K-12 schools. This was after a law banning electronics failed to pass in the state legislature. This electronic ban not only ignores the will of our elected congressmen, but also takes the decision of phone policies out of the districts and used a one-size-fits-all approach.

Local districts have an in-depth understanding of their challenges and opportunities, as well as safety needs. With the ability to tailor electronic policies to their student body, districts can have a better time at keeping students focused during class time while also making sure they can still contact their parents and use their phone when appropriate.

During many lockdowns, communication with family and friends is vital for people's safety and wellbeing. Electronics and phones in particular aren't just for socializing, but also access to mental health support, emergency services, and updating people during crises. Removing the ability to use electronics during all school hours removes the line of communication that friends and families often rely on for reassurance and safety.

Additionally, the executive order also bans electronics during passing periods and lunch. These are times when students are not even present in the classroom and they're not able to be distracted by electronics. By restricting electronics for the entire school day with no exceptions the ban sets unnecessary restrictions that don't have any potential benefits.

Join us in urging Oregon lawmakers as well as Tina Kotek to revoke the statewide ban of electronics in schools, and put these decisions in the hands of local school districts. Students shouldn't be denied the right to contact their families or emergency services when necessary, just because of blanket rules that don't account for the material conditions of each and every school district.

Please sign this petition to prevent this excessive state overreach and give school districts the autonomy to decide their own electronic policies.

Contact me for questions or other inquires at thumbnailsx@gmail.com(this is not my main email so it may take a bit longer for me to reply)