SCHOOL OBSERVANCE OF "JUNETEENTH" - S.B. 1423: COMMITTEE SUMMARY
Senate Bill 1423 (as introduced 9-18-02)
Sponsor: Senator Joe Young, Jr.
Committee: Education
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Revised School Code to require that schools observe "Juneteenth" by a proper and appropriate commemorative exercise. The bill also would require the State Board of Education to ensure that its recommended model core academic curriculum content standards included study of the "Juneteenth" observance.
Commemorative Exercise
Under the Code, a school officer or teacher must have each school under his or her control observe each of the following days by a proper and appropriate commemorative exercise (which may include or involve the assignment of schoolwork to teach the significance of the day):
-- The third Monday in January, in conjunction with the Federal holiday, Martin Luther King, Jr. day.
-- February 12, Lincoln's birthday.
-- The third Monday of February, Washington's birthday.
-- September 17, the date of the adoption of the Federal Constitution.
-- The second Monday in October, Columbus day.
-- November 11, Veteran's day.
The bill would add to that list June 19 or another day in June, the "Juneteenth" observance commemorating June 19, 1865, as the date that the news of abolition of slavery reached the slaves in the western states.
Model Core Curriculum Standards
Under the Code, if the board of a school district wants all of its schools to be accredited, the board must provide to all pupils attending public school in the district a core academic curriculum in each of the curricular areas specified in the State Board recommended model core academic curriculum content standards developed under the Code. These standards must set forth desired learning objectives in math, science, reading, history, geography, economics, American government, and writing for all children at each stage of schooling. The bill would require the State Board to ensure that the history component included study of the "Juneteenth" observance commemorating June 19, 1865, as the date that the news of abolition of slavery reached the slaves in the western states.
MCL 380.1175 & 380.1278 - Legislative Analyst: Patrick Affholter
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.
- Fiscal Analyst: Joe CarrascoS0102\s1423sa
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.