MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2001 Regular Session

To: Education

By: Representative Brown

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 37-13-5, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REQUIRE PUBLIC SCHOOLS TO FLY THE UNITED STATES FLAG AT HALF-STAFF WHENEVER A PRESIDENTIAL ORDER OR INSTRUCTIONS OR FEDERAL LAW REQUIRES THE FLAG TO BE LOWERED; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. Section 37-13-5, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

37-13-5. (1) The flag of the State of Mississippi and the flag of the United States shall be displayed in close proximity to the school building at all times during the hours of daylight when the school is in session when the weather will permit without damage to the flag. It shall be the duty of the board of trustees of the school district to provide for the flags and their display.

(2) Whenever the flag of the United States is to be flown at half-staff by order or instructions of the President or pursuant to federal law, all public schools shall lower the United States flag in accordance with the executive order or instructions or federal law. The school shall announce the reason that the flag is being flown at half-staff to all students in assembly or by teachers in the various classrooms or by prominently displaying written notice throughout the school stating the reason that the flag has been lowered.

(3) In all public schools there shall be given a course of study concerning the flag of the United States and the flag of the State of Mississippi. The course of study shall include the history of each flag and what they represent and the proper respect therefor. There also shall * * * be taught in the public schools the duties and obligations of citizenship, patriotism, Americanism and respect for and obedience to law.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2001.