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Senate approves bill to teach founding fathers’ religious and moral beliefs in grades 6–12
Summary
The Senate approved House Bill 17 o 5 to require instruction about how the religious and moral beliefs of the nation’s founders influenced the founding of the United States. Supporters described the measure as restoring civic values; critics pressed for clarity about which founders and how schools will teach differing beliefs. Vote: 28–5.
The Arkansas Senate on the morning calendar passed House Bill 17 o 5, which requires that public-school instruction for grades 6 through 12 include information about “how the religious and moral beliefs of the founding fathers influenced the founding of The United States.”
Sen. Bryant, a sponsor in the Senate, said the intent is to give students more context on the founders’ motives and the intent behind key documents. “What this bill seeks to do is ensure that our students know, as they learn our civic process, what the intent of the founding fathers were,” he said, adding that the instruction would help explain why early U.S. leaders pursued a bill of rights and other features of the constitutional system.
During floor questioning senators pressed for clarity. Sen. Peyton asked what the bill meant by “how the freedoms enjoyed by the citizens of The United States can be traced to the beliefs of the founding fathers.” Sen. Tucker asked “which founding fathers?” Bryant replied that the bill refers broadly to the 55 signers of the Declaration and related people active in founding-era debates rather than a narrowly enumerated short list.
Critics noted differences among founders’ beliefs — for example, Thomas Jefferson’s religious views — and asked how schools would present variation among individuals. Bryant acknowledged that the founders did not all share the same beliefs and said the historical context of debate is part of what the bill seeks to teach.
The bill drew a recorded vote of 28 yeas and 5 nays; the clerk announced, “House bill 17 o 5 passes.” The bill will return to the House for final handling.
Why it matters: The measure alters curriculum standards for middle and high school social studies and could affect instructional materials and teacher guidance. Supporters called it civic-education reform; critics asked for detail about implementation and warned about mixing religious claims and public instruction.
Next steps: Sponsors and classroom officials will need to specify instructional materials and guidance for teachers; the Senate roll call indicates majority support but leaves implementation details for state education officials and local districts.
