LJWorld.com / Text of Sebelius' statement about signing bill dealing with KU sex ed class

Archive for Friday, May 23, 2003

May 23, 2003

The following is the text of the statement Gov. Kathleen Sebelius issued Friday with her message that she has signed a bill dealing with the Kansas Univesity human sexuality class taught by Dennis Dailey.

Board of Regents: Sec. 16(c)

After considering this proviso carefully, I have decided not to veto it. Its effect on Regents institutions will be slight. It is an acceptable balance that will both preserve academic freedom and require university administrators to adopt policies on issues of concern to many Kansans.

More importantly, the proviso, unlike its predecessor, returns the Legislature to its proper role regarding curriculum at Regents institutions. The Legislature should not attempt to regulate Regents institutions course-by-course, professor-by-professor. That would both chill speech at our universities and shortchange our students by giving them a lackluster, second-rate education. Merely asking the Board of Regents to adopt policies on certain topics, however, as this proviso does, keeps the Legislature within appropriate boundaries.

Academic freedom at institutions of higher learning is essential to our democratic way of life and to our future prosperity. As Governor, I will continue to ensure that our universities have that freedom, and that they exercise it responsibly.

I look forward to returning our focus to issues of genuine concern to Kansas families, such as creating jobs, streamlining government, and ensuring that our children will have the same opportunities and blessings we have had. This is the work Kansans have called on us to do.