HSB 587

This bill relates to education, including by modifying the social studies curriculum provided to students enrolled in grades through in school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools, and modifying the responsibilities of school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools related to requiring teachers and students to sing the national anthem. _____ instruction related to the words and music of the national anthem, the meaning and history of the national anthem, the object and principles of the government of the United States, the sacrifices made by the founders of the United States, the important contributions made by all who have served in the armed forces of the United States since the founding, and how to love, honor, and respect the national anthem. The bill provides that school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools shall require all teachers providing classroom instruction and all students to sing at least one verse of the national anthem each school day and to sing the entire national anthem during the school day on patriotic occasions. The bill establishes that, when the national anthem is being sung, all teachers and students who are physically able are required to stand at attention and remove any headdress that is not being worn for religious purposes. The bill provides that school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools may require teachers and students in attendance at any school function or school-sponsored activity to sing the entire national anthem immediately prior to the beginning of the function or activity. The bill establishes that, when the national anthem is being sung, all teachers and students who are physically able are required to stand at attention and remove any headdress that is not being worn for religious purposes. The bill provides that, notwithstanding these requirements, neither a teacher nor a student shall be compelled against the teacher’s or student’s objections to sing any portion of the national anthem. The bill requires the school to provide notice to all teachers and students of a teacher’s and student’s ability to object to singing any portion of the national anthem. _____ anthem while the verse or verses are being sung by standing at attention, if physically able, and maintaining a respectful silence. The bill establishes that if a teacher does not participate in the singing of any portion of the national anthem, the teacher or the principal of the attendance center where the teacher is providing classroom instruction is required to select another suitable person to lead the teacher’s class in the singing of the national anthem. The bill requires schools to prohibit any assessment or evaluation of any teacher or student from referencing whether the teacher or student participated in, or objected to participating in, any singing of any portion of the national anthem.3.2(3), which would relieve a school district from complying with a state mandate if funding for the cost of the state mandate is not provided or specified. Therefore, school districts are required to comply with any state mandate included in the bill.