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CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
Regular Session, 2014
HOUSE BILL NO. 876
BY REPRESENTATIVES SEABAUGH AND HENRY BURNS
SCHOOLS/BOARDS: Provides relative to greetings and displays associated with
traditional celebrations in winter in public schools
AN ACT1
To enact R.S. 17:2118, relative to the recognition of traditional winter celebrations in public2
schools; to authorize school boards to allow certain greetings and displays; to3
provide limitations; and to provide for related matters.4
Be it enacted by the Legislature of Louisiana:5
Section 1. R.S. 17:2118 is hereby enacted to read as follows:6
ยง2118. Celebrations in winter7
A. A school board may educate students about the history of traditional8
celebrations in winter and allow students and district staff to offer traditional9
greetings regarding the celebrations, including but not limited to:10
(1) Merry Christmas.11
(2) Happy Hanukkah.12
(3) Happy holidays.13
(4) Happy Kwanzaa.14
B. Except as provided by Subsection C of this Section, a school board may15
display on school property scenes or symbols associated with traditional celebrations16
in winter, including a menorah or a Christmas image such as a nativity scene or17
Christmas tree, if the display includes a scene or symbol of at least one of the18
following:19 HLS 14RS-364 ENGROSSED
HB NO. 876
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CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
(1) More than one religion.1
(2) One religion and at least one secular scene or symbol.2
C. A display relating to a traditional celebration may not include a message3
that encourages adherence to a particular religious belief.4
DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
Seabaugh HB No. 876
Abstract: Provides relative to recognition and celebration of traditional celebrations in
winter in public schools.
Proposed law authorizes a school board to educate students about the history of traditional
celebrations in winter and to allow students and district staff to offer traditional greetings
regarding the celebrations, including Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy holidays,
and Happy Kwanzaa.
Authorizes a school board to display on school property scenes or symbols associated with
traditional celebrations in winter, including a menorah or a Christmas image such as a
nativity scene or Christmas tree, if the display includes a scene or symbol of more than one
religion or one religion and at least one secular scene or symbol.
Prohibits a display relating to a traditional celebration from including a message that
encourages adherence to a particular religious belief.
(Adds R.S. 17:2118)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Education to the original
bill.
1. Adds "Happy Kwanzaa" to the list of greetings proposed law authorizes students
and staff to offer regarding winter celebrations.