Committee considers bill adding Constitution Day to required patriotic exercises in public schools

Representative Christine Perez testified in favor of House Bill 571, a proposal to require public schools to include Constitution Day (Sept. 17) among patriotic exercises and instructional activities. Perez said the measure would encourage students to learn both the U.S. Constitution and the New Hampshire Constitution and to understand citizen rights and responsibilities.

Perez reviewed a brief history of Constitution Day and said the curriculum could include instruction about the failures of the Articles of Confederation and the reasons the federal Constitution was drafted. She told senators she envisioned exercises similar to existing Memorial Day or Veterans Day observances and suggested instruction could be incorporated across grade levels.

Senators asked about implementation detail and costs; Senator Ochsler noted the U.S. Department of Education has in past years distributed funds for Constitution Day programming and asked whether the sponsor had information about federal funding or administrative support. Perez replied she was not aware of a specific line item but said many districts already hold low-cost or volunteer-supported events for Veterans Day and Memorial Day and that local volunteers often support such activities.

Senators also asked whether the measure would allow integration of the New Hampshire Constitution into federal-constitution exercises; Perez said the bill would permit recognition of the New Hampshire Constitution and related instruction as part of Constitution Day activities. Witnesses in the room referenced examples from other states and private schools where Constitution Day exercises include student activities and signings.

The committee did not take a vote during the hearing; senators said they had clarifying questions but expressed general support for increased civic instruction.