Ten Democratic legislators representing Salt Lake City have sent a letter to the Salt Lake City Board of Education criticizing its decision to ban all noncurricular clubs in three high schools.

The lawmakers asked the board to lift the prohibition."This decision will be harmful to a majority of younger adults and will not protect anyone," said the letter on House of Representatives stationery. "It is our opinion that more thought should be given to the long-term and damaging conse-quences."

The legislators who signed the letter, dated Tuesday, are Sens. Bob Steiner, Rex Black and Blaze Wharton and Reps. Frank Pignanelli, Gene Davis, Dave Jones, Mary Carlson, Steve Barth, Loretta Baca and Pete Suazo.

Two Republicans from Salt Lake City - Sen. David Buhler and Rep. Afton Bradshaw - declined to sign.

The Democrats offered to meet with school board members, adding, "It is our sincere hope that we will work toward a community and state that fosters unity and tolerance, not division and hate."

They argued school-based clubs encourage good citizenship, provide coping skills and sometimes are essential to receiving scholarships or college admission.

The letter suggests establishment of a "district-sponsored program to help these students."

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