Promoting American Patriotism In Our Schools Act
Promoting American Patriotism In Our Schools Act
Plain Language Summary
# Summary: Promoting American Patriotism In Our Schools Act **What the bill would do:** This bill would require public schools that receive federal funding to display the U.S. flag in classrooms and gymnasiums, teach students about the flag's history and significance, and have students and staff recite the Pledge of Allegiance daily at the start of each school day. Schools would need to incorporate flag education into their civics or history curriculum and certify compliance annually to maintain their federal funding. **Who it affects:** The bill primarily affects public elementary and secondary schools that receive federal education funding, along with their students, teachers, and staff.
Schools would need to implement new policies and curriculum requirements. **Key provisions:** The bill includes exceptions allowing students and staff to opt out of the Pledge of Allegiance for religious or personal reasons. Schools must incorporate flag education into existing civics or history courses and comply with annual certification requirements. Federal education funding would be tied to compliance with these requirements. **Current status:** The bill (HR 1351) was introduced in the 119th Congress by Representative Dale Strong (R-AL) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full House.
CRS Official Summary
Promoting American Patriotism In Our Schools ActThis bill requires local educational agencies (LEAs) to establish, maintain, and enforce policies that require federally funded public elementary and secondary schools to display the U.S. flag, educate students about the U.S. flag, and direct students and staff to recite the Pledge of Allegiance on a daily basis.Specifically, LEAs, as a condition of receiving federal elementary and secondary education funds, must require the following activities at each school:for all students, teachers, and staff to recite the Pledge of Allegiance at the beginning of each school day (with an exception for religious or personal reasons);for the U.S. flag to be prominently displayed in each classroom and gymnasium; andfor educational materials on the history, significance, and proper display of the U.S. flag to be incorporated into the civics or history curriculum of each grade level.The bill includes annual certification requirements. Further, the bill authorizes and directs the Department of Education to issue and secure compliance with rules or orders with respect to an LEA that fails to certify (or certifies in bad faith) compliance with the bill's requirements.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.