Amendment 4Constitutional amendment · Put on the ballot by lawmakers
Weekly National Anthem in Schools
Explain it like I'm 5
Public schools would play or arrange a performance of the first part of the national anthem at least once each week. Students would not have to sing or take part.
Yes vote
Requiring public K-12 schools to broadcast or arrange a performance of the first stanza of The Star-Spangled Banner weekly.
No vote
Schools would not have a constitutional weekly anthem requirement.
The question to ask yourself
Should the Constitution require this weekly practice, or should each school board decide?
The case for
- It creates a consistent way to teach and recognize a national symbol.
- Schools can use a recording or an approved performance.
- Students remain free not to participate.
Backed by: Sen. Gerald Allen, sponsor
The case against
- Local school boards could decide how to use school time.
- A routine school schedule belongs more naturally in ordinary policy than the Constitution.
- The mandate may produce repetition without clear educational benefit.
Opposed by: No organized opposition found
- Money
- The official ballot statement says there are no costs or taxes associated with the amendment.
- Don't be misled
- It is misleading to say students must stand or sing because the measure requires a broadcast or performance, not student participation.