PATRIOT WEEK INSTRUCTION S.B. 121 (S-1):
FLOOR SUMMARY
Senate Bill 121 (Substitute S-1 as reported)
Sponsor: Senator Patrick J. Colbeck
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Revised School Code to encourage public schools to designate and observe one week each school year as "Patriot Week", to be observed by all public school teachers and pupils as provided in the bill.
Specifically, during Patriot Week, the board of a school district, or board of directors of a public school academy, would be encouraged to ensure that the following instruction was provided to students in grades kindergarten through 12 in an age- and grade-appropriate manner:
-- Instruction in "the sacrifices made by millions of military personnel and their families in the defense of liberty" from the Revolutionary War to current conflicts, and the significance of Veteran's Day, Independence Day, and Memorial Day.
-- Instruction affirming that the first principles upon which America was founded and flourished were: rule of law, social compact, equality, unalienable rights, and limited government.
-- Instruction in founding documents that would explore how various historical documents "embody America's first principles and have advanced liberty".
The bill also states, "The legislature recognizes that a vital purpose of education pursuant to the state constitution of 1963 is to develop good citizens. In order to develop good citizens, an understanding of American history and America's first principles is indispensable." Further, "The legislature acknowledges that American citizens must take time to honor the first principles, founders, documents, and symbols of their history."
Proposed MCL 380.1167 Legislative Analyst: Glenn Steffens
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.
Date Completed: 11-14-13 Fiscal Analyst: Kathryn Summers
This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.