Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/48237
AROUND AEA AEA Website's New Look Be sure to check out AEA's new, rede- signed website at www.arizonaea.org. The site has an updated look while still provid- ing the same service and resources for members, including the legal publica- tions, professional development op- portunities, member benefit discounts, and exclusive access to the members-only section. Here are some of the many new features of the redesigned site: • AEA Advocacy Help Desk • Enhanced interactivity and web 2.0 technology • RSS subscription feed • Social media links and sharing options • Integration with other AEA online resources such as newsletters and legislative action cen- ter, and other online tools such as YouTube and Google Search Engine. ✒ AEA Wins Injunction Against Educator Gag Bill On September 23, 2011, U.S. District Court Judge G. Murray Snow granted the Arizona Education Association's (AEA) request for a preliminary injunction of Senate Bill (SB) 1365, a law that restricts the way teachers pay their an- nual dues and contributions to their professional associations. Judge Snow found that, based on the evi- dence, SB 1365 violates the first amendment rights of teachers in Arizona. Judge Snow stated that "By imposing its AEA members show support for lawsuit against Educator Gag Bill at Delegate Assembly. burdens on the political speech of some unions and other organizations and not imposing like costs upon other similarly-situated unions, or on other organizations that can use the funds for political activity, the law is underinclusive and discriminates according to speaker." Moreover, since "[t]he loss of First Amendment freedoms, for even minimal periods of time, unquestion- ably constitutes irreparable injury… Attorney General Horne is preliminarily enjoined from enforcing Senate Bill 1365." "Today's ruling is a victory for AEA and for free speech for Arizona's teachers," said AEA President Andrew F. Morrill. "When the gov- ernment tries to muzzle the voice of teachers and violate their constitutional rights, the AEA will respond to protect and defend teachers' rights. Our voice for quality public schools will not be silenced." "It's time our state leaders stop attack- ing Arizona's teachers and students and start working on the issues that are important to the citizens of Arizona: quality public education, job growth, and economic development." AEA, with other public unions, filed a lawsuit 16 Winter 2011/12 ❘ AEA Advocate contesting the constitutionality of SB 1365 in May. This bill, passed by the Arizona Legislature and signed by Governor Jan Brewer in April, places restrictions on payroll deductions for specific labor unions, including AEA, but ex- cludes public safety employee unions and other entities from its requirements, and in doing so, SB 1365 favors the speech of one group of em- ployees over the less favorable speech of others. Political observers believe this law was passed in response to AEA's community organizing to fight cuts to public education and speak up for a fair and equitable tax structure. Judge Snow's injunction is effective while the case is proceeding, and AEA is confident that SB 1365's viewpoint discrimination will be permanently enjoined at the conclusion of the litigation. Though AEA has been confident in our suc- cess in this legal battle, it does not change our current course of action. Our Association must remain free from legislative control by using an alternative method of dues collection to the cur- rent payroll deduction, such as Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). Legislators can very easily pass another version of SB 1365 that includes all unions in the next legislative session. AEA is determined to stand up for educators' voices and not allow legislators to hold this threat over our organi- zation. It is important to celebrate this legal victory. This win is another example of AEA working on behalf of teachers and education support professionals in Arizona and keeping the promise of quality public education. ✒