Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Heated debate over SB 407 on flags and posting "In God We Trust" in schools; committee ultimately tables the bill
Summary
SB 407 would ban displays of social or political flags in public schools and require posting of the national motto "In God We Trust"; tribal leaders, civil-rights groups and educators warned the bill is vague and risks banning tribal flags and violating the Constitution; the committee moved to table the bill after executive action and a motion to reverse the vote.
Sen. Bob Phelan presented SB 407, which would prohibit display of flags or symbols representing a social or political cause in public schools while requiring the display of the national motto "In God We Trust" in classrooms. The sponsor framed the bill as a way to promote patriotism and prevent ideological advocacy in school buildings.
Opponents—including tribal…
Already have an account? Log in
Subscribe to keep reading
Unlock the rest of this article — and every article on Citizen Portal.
- Unlimited articles
- AI-powered breakdowns of topics, speakers, decisions, and budgets
- Instant alerts when your location has a new meeting
- Follow topics and more locations
- 1,000 AI Insights / month, plus AI Chat