HARRISBURG – The Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee unanimously approved legislation yesterday that would prohibit public school officials from discriminating against members of the Armed Forces.

Senate Bill 206, sponsored by Sen. Chuck McIlhinney (R-Bucks and Montgomery), would prohibit any principal, superintendant or school official from denying any member of the military entry to school facilities because he or she is wearing a military uniform. Military members would still be expected to comply with a school’s visitor policy, but they could not be denied access because of their uniforms, McIlhinney said.

The legislation stemmed from several incidents in which military members visiting friends and former teachers were denied access to school grounds due to their military uniforms. McIlhinney’s bill would ensure that no school official could impose restrictions on wearing military uniforms on school property.

“The members of our Armed Forces deserve our deepest respect and admiration for their service, and they should have every right to proudly display the uniforms that they have sacrificed so much to earn,” McIlhinney said. “I would like to thank Chairman Lisa Baker and the members of the committee for joining me in opposing this unfair discrimination against some of our bravest and most respected citizens.”

Senate Bill 206 will now go to the Senate floor for consideration.

Labels: Sen. Chuck McIlhinney