Legislature(1999 - 2000)
02/22/2000 03:38 PM Senate STA
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* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
HB 192-PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS Number 1618 REPRESENTATIVE JAMES, sponsor of HB 192, stated the flag salute is an important part of patriotism in our country. The goal is to require public schools to conduct regular flag exercises, which include the pledge of allegiance. No one will be compelled to recite the pledge against their conscience or belief system. Students who object to reciting the pledge on grounds of conscience or belief are asked to maintain a respectful silence. In proposed Senate CS (1-LS0837\I) for CS for HB 192 "regularly" on line 7, has been deleted. SENATOR GREEN moved to adopts SCS for CS for HB 192(STA)(1- LS0837\I)as the working version of the committee. There being no objection, it was so ordered. REPRESENTATIVE JAMES said there is a proposed amendment to delete "as determined by the governing body." SENATOR ELTON stated other things such as time and classes could be determined by the governing body. REPRESENTATIVE JAMES stated the amendment is up to the committee. SENATOR GREEN moved the amendment, Senator Wilken objected. SENATOR WILKEN stated keeping "the governing body" allows the school board latitude to determine how the pledge is recited daily. If the amendment passes, the school board will be removed from the equation. REPRESENTATIVE JAMES agreed. She thought "the governing body" didn't need to be in the bill because there is no problem with leaving the language. Number 1820 CHAIRMAN WARD stated the motion has been withdrawn. SENATOR WILKEN asked if input has been made by school districts around the State on CS for HB 192 (JUD). REPRESENTATIVE JAMES said they have heard from some school districts, they support CS for HB 192 (JUD) because it sets a standard across the State. SENATOR PHILLIPS said the school districts need to explain why certain children maintain silence during the pledge to avoid scrutiny from other children. SENATOR ELTON asked if CS for HB 192 (JUD) excluded private schools. REPRESENTATIVE JAMES stated that was correct. Number 2044 MS. DENNY WEATHERS said the government requires children to attend school and chooses the type of education the children learn. Children should be taught to respect others, even children who do not recite the pledge. HB 192 is very important to Alaska and our country. Ms. Weathers recited the history of the flag, and the pledge of allegiance. MS. DEMIENTIEFF stated there are certain values missing in children today. The pledge of allegiance is a core value that should be welcomed back into the schools. We should celebrate things that unify our nation, the pledge being one of them. MR. CLEVELAND said many different cultures live within our country and the pledge should be something the public sees eye-to-eye on. SENATOR GREEN moved SCS for CS for HB 192 (STA) with individual recommendations and accompanying fiscal notes. There being no objection, it was so ordered.
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