Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF330

Introduced
2/15/23  
Introduced
2/15/23  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to recitation of the state motto in school districts.

Impact

If enacted, HF330 would amend existing regulations on educational practices in Iowa, thereby reinforcing the importance of the state motto within the daily framework of public education. The bill aims to instill a sense of civic duty and recognition of state's values among students. Supporters believe that such activities enhance students' understanding of their state's heritage and foster a sense of community. However, implementation would necessitate schools to incorporate this additional recitation into their schedules, which could impact time allocated for other educational activities.

Summary

House File 330 (HF330), introduced by Representative Shipley, proposes legislation requiring public school districts in Iowa to have students recite the state motto, 'Our liberties we prize, and our rights we will maintain,' following the daily recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. This mandatory recitation for students in grades one through twelve complements current laws that mandate the Pledge's administration. However, students and their guardians retain the right to abstain from reciting the motto, reflecting a consideration for individual and parental rights within the educational environment.

Conclusion

Overall, HF330 seeks to embed the Iowa state motto further into the public education system. Its implications raise questions about educational priorities, parental rights, and the role of state symbols in fostering civic identity among young citizens. The success of the bill will likely depend on the broader community's reception and discussions about its impact on educational practices and students' rights.

Contention

The introduction of HF330 may spark debate around the balance between patriotic symbolism in education and the freedom of individual expression. Critics might argue that requiring the recitation of the state motto could be seen as an imposition of state ideology on students, potentially infringing on diverse beliefs or backgrounds in a public school setting. Furthermore, concerns might arise regarding the practicality of implementing this bill in a way that respects the rights of all students and families, particularly those who choose not to participate in the recitation.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

IA HF166

A bill for an act relating to public schools, including requiring public schools to display the national motto and the state motto and to start each day of classroom instruction with silent time.(Formerly HSB 32.)

IA HSB32

A bill for an act relating to public schools, including requiring public schools to display the national motto and the state motto and to start each day of classroom instruction with silent time.(See HF 166.)

IA HF370

A bill for an act relating to entities supported in whole or in part by public moneys, including the sale of public bonds, the duties and responsibilities of the directors and officers of school boards, school districts, the department of education, the department of health and human services, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, community colleges, institutions under the control of the state board of regents, area education agencies, and election commissioners, and the membership and voting units of county and city conference boards. (Formerly HSB 118.)

IA HSB118

A bill for an act relating to entities supported in whole or in part by public moneys, including the sale of public bonds, the duties and responsibilities of the directors and officers of school boards, school districts, the department of education, the department of health and human services, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, community colleges, institutions under the control of the state board of regents, area education agencies, election commissioners and children's residential facilities, and the membership and voting units of county and city conference boards.(See HF 370.)

IA SF390

A bill for an act relating to entities supported in whole or in part by public moneys, including the sale of public bonds, the duties and responsibilities of the directors and officers of school boards, school districts, the department of education, the department of health and human services, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, community colleges, institutions under the control of the state board of regents, area education agencies, election commissioners and children's residential facilities, and the membership and voting units of county and city conference boards.(Formerly SSB 1111.)

IA SSB1111

A bill for an act relating to entities supported in whole or in part by public moneys, including the sale of public bonds, the duties and responsibilities of the directors and officers of school boards, school districts, the department of education, the department of health and human services, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, community colleges, institutions under the control of the state board of regents, area education agencies, election commissioners and children's residential facilities, and the membership and voting units of county and city conference boards.(See SF 390.)

IA HSB587

A bill for an act relating to education, including by modifying the social studies curriculum provided to students enrolled in grades one through twelve in school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools, and modifying the responsibilities of school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools related to requiring teachers and students to sing the national anthem.

IA HF372

A bill for an act relating to the physical education and physical activities requirements that apply to students enrolled in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools.

IA HF327

A bill for an act relating to education, including modifying provisions related to comprehensive school improvement plans, teacher librarians and guidance counselors, required days or hours of instruction in elementary and secondary schools, agreements between school districts and community colleges to teach certain courses, required courses in school districts and accredited nonpublic schools, and shared operational functions, and authorizing school districts to offer sequential units in one classroom.(Formerly HSB 119.)

IA SSB1076

A bill for an act relating to education, including modifying provisions related to comprehensive school improvement plans, teacher librarians and guidance counselors, required days or hours of instruction in elementary and secondary schools, agreements between school districts and community colleges to teach certain courses, required courses in school districts and accredited nonpublic schools, and shared operational functions, and authorizing school districts to offer sequential units in one classroom.(See SF 391.)

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.