Image Credit: TN General Assembly
Tennessee Conservative News Staff –
The Senate Education Committee moved forward with legislation that would require Tennessee public schools to formally observe the Fourth of July during the school year.
Senate Bill 1960 (SB1960), sponsored by State Senator Mark Pody (R-Lebanon-D-17), mandates that all local education agencies (LEAs) and public charter schools “designate one instructional day each school year to observe the Fourth of July by providing students with age- and grade-appropriate instruction on the founding of the United States, the Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution, and the fundamental rights and freedoms enjoyed by American citizens.”
Senator Pody introduced an amendment on the bill that would stipulate that the last day of each school year be designated as a day to cover the included instruction if LEA’s determine that it has not already been covered as part of the regular curriculum.
Senator Adam Lowe (R-Calhoun-D1) expressed concern over the amendment, questioning the decision to pinpoint a specific day on which the content must be taught. Pody clarified again that the last day requirement would only come into effect if certain material had not been covered in the school year already and noted that he did not anticipate any district having to do that.
All eight members in attendance voted in favor of the legislation. It will be sent to the Senate Calendar and Rules Committee to be scheduled to come before the full Senate.
Companion House Bill 1857 (HB1857), sponsored by State Representative Tim Rudd (R-Murfreesboro-D34), was passed by the House Education Committee on March 10 and was placed on the Consent Calendar for March 16.
There were two objections recorded from Representatives Karen Camper (D-Memphis-D87) and John Ray Clemmons (D-Nashville-D55).
The bill has now been placed on the House regular calendar for March 19.
