Mississippi Senate Bill SB2413

Mississippi 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/16/24
• Refer: 2/16/24
• Failed: 3/5/24

Caption

Boys scouts and Girl scouts; allow to speak to students regarding civic invovlement with principal's approval.

Impact

Should SB2413 be enacted, it would establish a structured approach for civic organizations to engage with students. By providing a clear process, principals will be responsible for approving requests to speak, which may lead to increased interaction between schools and community organizations. However, it requires school administrators to notify parents at least three days in advance of any such presentations, thereby promoting parental awareness and involvement in their children’s civic education.

Summary

Senate Bill 2413 proposes to allow representatives of the Boy Scouts of America and the Girl Scouts of the United States of America to address students in public schools and charter schools in Mississippi on topics related to civic involvement and how they can join these organizations. The bill mandates a formal process whereby these representatives must submit a written request to the school principal prior to their presentation, ensuring oversight and organization of such events. This bill illustrates a legislative effort aimed at promoting civic engagement among youth through established organizations.

Contention

The discussion surrounding SB2413 may revolve around the implications for the equality of access to student engagement opportunities. While there might be general support for the civic teachings promoted by the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, there could be concerns about the potential for exclusion of other civic organizations not specified in the bill. This might lead to debates regarding which organizations are deemed appropriate for interaction with students, prompting a discussion about the inclusivity of civic education efforts. Additionally, the requirement for principal approval may be seen as a gatekeeping measure, spawning discussions on how much control schools should exert over external presentations.