HF 867

as introduced - 84th Legislature (2005 - 2006) Posted on 12/15/2009 12:00am

A bill for an act
relating to education; enacting the American Heritage
Education in Minnesota Public Schools Act; proposing
coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 120B.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

new text begin [120B.25] AMERICAN HERITAGE EDUCATION.
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new text begin (a) School districts shall develop and establish a policy
for grade-level instruction to assure that all students are
encouraged, and have the opportunity, to read and study
America's founding documents that are pertinent to understanding
the principles, character, and world view of America's founders;
including documents that contributed to the foundation or
maintenance of America's representative republican form of
limited government, the Bill of Rights, our free-market economic
system, and patriotism. Districts shall permit a principal or
teacher to use, read, or post in a public school building,
classroom, or at any public school event any excerpts or
portions of the documents, writings, speeches, proclamations, or
records relating to the history, heritage, or foundation of the
United States or the state of Minnesota, including, but not
limited to:
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new text begin (1) the Mayflower Compact;
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new text begin (2) the Declaration of Independence;
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new text begin (3) the Constitutions of the United States and the state of
Minnesota;
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new text begin (4) the Northwest Ordinance of 1787;
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new text begin (5) the Federalist Papers;
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new text begin (6) the Pledge of Allegiance;
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new text begin (7) the national anthem;
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new text begin (8) Washington's farewell address to the nation;
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new text begin (9) Lincoln's Gettysburg address;
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new text begin (10) the acts and published records of Congress; and
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new text begin (11) the United States Supreme Court decisions and records.
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new text begin (b) Districts may not limit or restrain instruction in
American or Minnesota state history or heritage based on
religious references in documents, writings, speeches,
proclamations, or records described under paragraph (a). These
and any other materials must be used for educational purposes
and not to establish any religion.
new text end

new text begin (c) Students may voluntarily choose to read, write, share,
report, or otherwise study a topic which is religious in nature
provided other students are provided with the same opportunity
to freely choose a topic.
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new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day
following final enactment.
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Sec. 2. new text begin TITLE.
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new text begin Minnesota Statutes, section 120B.25, shall be known as the
American Heritage Education in Minnesota Public Schools Act.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day
following final enactment.
new text end