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Senators debate third stanza of national anthem, warn of classroom impact
Summary
Senators Smitherman, Figures and Hatcher debated whether the third stanza of the national anthem should be treated as harmless historical text or a piece that can demean Black students if read in classrooms; remarks were made during committee consideration of education items.
Senator Vivian Smitherman, a member of the Education Policy Committee, urged colleagues to read the third stanza of the national anthem and described it as language that “glorifies slavery” and “demeans us,” saying that requiring students to read or sing it would be “a slap in their face.”
The remarks came during debate in the committee when members discussed education-related items on the agenda. Senator Smitherman said the stanza’s language has an emotional and historical impact for Black students and parents and that legislators should consider that effect before codifying related classroom requirements.
Senator Figures questioned the constitutionality of the measure under discussion and said she would vote no on a constitutional amendment approach, saying she could “see you doing maybe a statute to require it,” but could not support making it a constitutional requirement.
Senator Jack Hatcher (State Senator) said colleagues may not understand the stanza and the implications of codifying requirements that touch on history and race. He framed the exchange as a broader education-policy moment: “one of the biggest issues ... is that in this country, unlike so many other countries ... Americans don't know American history” and lawmakers should consider the educational implications of the committee’s actions.
Speakers emphasized the difference between requiring a student to sing a stanza and the stanza being part of a larger historical text. Senators warned that even if a student is not required to vocalize a stanza, having it embedded in required materials or activities could still have consequences for students of color.
The committee chair acknowledged the comments and moved on to remaining agenda items. No formal committee vote on a specific policy requiring reading or singing of anthem stanzas is recorded in the transcript excerpts provided; the discussion was recorded as part of general committee consideration of education bills.
