Written by Central IN DSA
Central Indiana DSA’s Fully Funded, Fully Public Committee unequivocally stands with educators in the face of state repression of their free speech.
In recent public posts to his Facebook page, Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita has encouraged the targeting of educators by his constituents for their political expressions outside of the classroom. Using flimsy, minimal evidence such as screenshots of politically-tinged Facebook conversations that represent fair democratic discourse on a current issue well within the first amendment rights of those under scrutiny, Rokita is using his malicious Eyes on Education portal in an attempt to chill speech, put educators’ employment at risk, and potentially risk their physical safety.
Indiana’s Eyes on Education portal is a tool of political repression, not accountability. By encouraging anonymous reports on teachers—even for lawful activities outside the classroom—Attorney General Todd Rokita seeks to pit neighbor against neighbor for holding views he disagrees with.
As citizens and workers, teachers have the right to speak, organize, and live freely without fear of state surveillance. This portal and Rokita’s irresponsible public use of its data chills speech rights and weaponizes government power to silence dissent while ignoring the collective needs of our communities: well-funded schools, fair wages, and honest education.
Central Indiana DSA stands in solidarity with teachers against this attack on their dignity, their speech, and our children’s future.