2013 Senate Bill 121

Declare Michigan “celebrate freedom week”

Introduced in the Senate

Jan. 30, 2013

Introduced by Sen. Patrick Colbeck (R-7)

To establish that the week of November 11 shall be designated “celebrate freedom week” in Michigan, and public school teachers shall deliver certain lessons related to America’s founding documents and specified subsequent events and require students to recite the core civic creed contained in the Declaration of Independence. A parent could request his or her child be excused from the latter.

Referred to the Committee on Education

Nov. 14, 2013

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (S-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

Dec. 10, 2013

Substitute offered

The substitute passed by voice vote

Dec. 11, 2013

Amendment offered by Sen. Hoon-Yung Hopgood (D-8)

To replace instruction in specified components of America's founding documents and principles, and instead encourage schools to offer programs sponsored by three organizations considered more "establishment" or "center-left" in their orientation (the Michigan Council for Social Studies, the "Youth in Government" organization and the Michigan Center for Civic Education, which includes the amendment sponsor on its board).

The amendment failed by voice vote

Passed in the Senate 27 to 10 (details)

To encourage public schools to designate one week each school year as "Patriot Week," during which instruction would be offered on the sacrifices of military veterans, and on America's founding documents and core principles.

Received in the House

Dec. 11, 2013

Referred to the Committee on Education

March 19, 2014

Reported without amendment

Without amendment and with the recommendation that the bill pass.