Texas House Bill HB3381

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to Texas Military Heroes Day in public schools.

Impact

The introduction of Texas Military Heroes Day would necessitate amendments to the Texas Education Code to include provisions for age-appropriate instruction concerning military service. Each school district will have the latitude to determine the instructional content, which could involve personal stories from local veterans, thereby individualizing the educational experience and connecting students to their local history. This educational initiative is set to begin in the 2017-2018 school year, potentially reshaping curriculum frameworks in Texas schools.

Summary

House Bill 3381 establishes a Texas Military Heroes Day in public schools to recognize and educate students about the sacrifices made by Texans in the armed forces. The bill mandates the Governor to designate a specific day for this purpose, creating an opportunity for districts to incorporate instructional activities that celebrate local military heroes. The focus is on promoting awareness and appreciation of military service among students, fostering a sense of community and respect for veterans.

Contention

While the bill primarily aims to honor veterans through education, there may be points of discussion regarding the appropriateness of including military-specific narratives in school curricula. Some educators and parents might raise concerns about the potential for politicization of the curriculum or how best to balance military history with other educational priorities. However, proponents argue that teaching the importance of military service and sacrifice is critical for nurturing civic responsibility and respect among young learners.