Sen. Gerald Allen, R-Tuscaloosa, pre-filed a bill earlier this month that would require public schools to play the first stanza of the National Anthem at least once a week.
SB2 has been proposed as a constitutional amendment for the upcoming session. It would require local school boards to develop and incorporate policies to have a performance of the Star-Spangled Banner broadcast at least once a week.
The bill states: “over 100 years, The Star-Spangled Banner has served to inspire generations of patriotic Americans, and it is imperative that students have exposure to this history.”
Allen has brought this amendment before the Legislature every year since at least 2020 and it has failed each attempt. APR reached out to Allen for comment but the senator never responded.
Since the bill is a constitutional amendment it will fall onto the voting public to determine if the amendment will be enacted, if it passes the Legislature in the upcoming session.
