MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WHNT) — We all hear the national anthem performed before sporting events, and soon, students in Alabama could be singing it in the classroom.
Lawmakers disagree on a bill that passed out of committee today, requiring schools to play the “Star-Spangled Banner” at least once a week. Rep. Arnold Mooney (R-Indian Springs) said it should be a part of education in the state.
“Just being sure that we provide those opportunities for young people to know about the history of their country, from the national anthem standpoint and all,” said Mooney. “And singing it, learning about other things in history, or civic, or whatever.”
The bill outlines the history of the song, and states it’s important that students have exposure to that history. As a longtime educator, Rep. Barbara Boyd (D-Anniston) said that decision should be left to local school boards.
“I’m a little confused, after 45 years of being around a little bit, what are we dealing with?” she asked. “And, why are we having to deal with this right now?”
Rep. Marilyn Lands (D-Huntsville) said students already have enough on their plates.
“I’d like to see us have a moment of quiet, so our minds could rest a little bit,” said Lands. “It’s not that I’m not for the national anthem, I just feel like we don’t need to be adding other things in at this point.”
But Rep. Mooney defended the effort.
“I believe very strongly that singing the national anthem, or hearing it presented in some manner, they can choose from all sorts of things, is a beneficial thing to the students,” Mooney replied. “It is, in a sense I think, a calming thing.”
With only one day left in the session, the bill now goes to the House floor for final passage. If signed by the governor, Alabamians would have to vote on the requirement, as it is a constitutional amendment.
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