budget

What's in the budget provision that is calling race conversations into question?

What's in the budget provision that is calling race conversations into question?

As the state budget moved through the legislature this year, New Hampshire had its eyes on a provision commonly referred to as the ‘divisive concepts’ legislation. The language has been a point of widespread controversy, but now that it’s law, many Granite Staters are left wondering what exactly is in the bill.

Opponents of the law argue it could put a chill on conversations about systemic racism, white privilege and implicit bias; supporters say the legislation protects all New Hampshireites from discrimination — including white people.

Granite Staters await guidance on budget provision: 'There's no clarity here other than it's scaring people'

Granite Staters await guidance on budget provision: 'There's no clarity here other than it's scaring people'

The state budget provision that opponents say puts a chill on important conversations about race has been law for a few weeks, but community members are still looking for guidance on what they call unclear language.

Educators and civil rights activists, among others, say as they await more information from the state, they are concerned the law is already leading to self-censorship in school curriculums, workplace diversity training and police implicit bias classes.

Five arrested after refusing to leave governor’s office

Five arrested after refusing to leave governor’s office

After Asma Elhuni, Lebanon resident and Movement Politics Director for Rights and Democracy New Hampshire, was arrested Thursday alongside four other activists at the State House, she said their fight against the “immoral” legislation in the state budget that Gov. Chris Sununu signed Friday is not over.

Despite the budget being signed and sealed, Elhuni vows to revitalize community outreach efforts in the wake of the legislation. The activist said New Hampshire communities “will not be divided,” and Rights and Democracy will focus this summer on engaging more people than ever around the state.