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Senate debate over patriotic-education bill centers on teaching the flag
Summary
Senate sponsors said SB21 would standardize instruction about the U.S. flag and symbolism in lower grades; supporters described it as modest curriculum alignment and opponents questioned necessity. The chamber voted to advance the bill to third reading by recorded vote.
Senator Blassom defended Senate Bill 21 on Jan. 21 as a modest effort to ensure consistency in how public schools teach the history and symbolism of the U.S. flag.
"We need to feel that patriotism in the flag," Blassom said on the floor, arguing that some teachers include flag instruction while others do not and that statute and curriculum gaps have produced inconsistent practice across classrooms. He said the bill is intended to "tease out to our children" an understanding of the flag so they can develop civic pride.
Opponents and questioners pressed for details about current classroom practice. Senator Julander asked the sponsor what public schools are doing now and noted the clerk's display system problems prevented the immediate review of bill text. Blassom acknowledged variation among schools, saying "some schools do it and they need to be commended because they'll recognize it on their own. Other teachers do nothing." He added that the measure would not displace core curriculum and would likely be implemented with minimal additional classroom time.
The sponsor framed the bill as nonpartisan and practical. "It doesn't stand. It won't cut into any core agenda," Blassom said, adding the proposal is about teaching basic civic symbols rather than political grandstanding.
After remarks from the sponsor and a brief floor exchange, the Senate called the question and recorded passage of SB21 to the third-reading calendar with 27 ayes and 2 absences announced on the floor.
What to watch next
SB21 will proceed to third reading; legislators and local educators may seek implementing guidance about curriculum placement and time allocation if the bill becomes law.
