Image Credit: TN General Assembly
Tennessee Conservative News Staff –
The Tennessee State Senate passed legislation that would require all public schools to formally observe the Fourth of July during the school year.
Senate Bill 1960 (SB1960), sponsored by State Senator Mark Pody (R-Lebanon-D-17), mandates that all local education agencies (LEAs) and public charter schools “designate one instructional day each school year to observe the Fourth of July by providing students with age- and grade-appropriate instruction on the founding of the United States, the Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution, and the fundamental rights and freedoms enjoyed by American citizens.”
After being introduced, Pody moved to conform to House Bill 1857 (HB1857), which passed in the House on March 19.
During discussion, State Senator Jeff Yarbro (D-Nashville-D21), questioned whether passing this legislation was pushing more towards compelling an observance rather than pushing for the curriculum. He cited a Supreme Court ruling that stated that students could not be compelled to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. He noted that, while he supported curriculum that already taught those historical facts, he was concerned that setting aside an instructional day for an observance would actually be counterproductive.
With no further comments, the Senate voted to pass House Bill 1857 with a final vote of 30 ayes and 6 noes. All of the no votes came from Democrats.
Once signed into law, the legislation will become applicable with the 2026-2027 school year.
