NH House Testimony

HB571

House · 2025 sessionRepublicanSigned into law

Constitution Day in school patriotic exercises

AI

Requires public schools to dedicate one session during the week of Constitution Day to exercises of a patriotic nature.

including Constitution Day in patriotic exercises required of public schools.

Education - General

Status

Signed into law · June 6, 2025
  1. Introduced
  2. House
  3. Senate
  4. Governor
  5. Law

Division of testimony

102 submissions
Support 18Oppose 84Neutral 0
Mark HaleyOpposeKeene, NHfor MyselfFeb 10, 2025

We really don't need a day for Nationalism and propaganda.

Kathleen MalsbendenOpposeNewmarket, NHfor MyselfFeb 10, 2025

Schools already incorporate this into their programs. Another directive from Concord that should be kept in the hands of local districts.

Alexander TempletonSupportMadison, NHfor MyselfFeb 10, 2025

Now more than ever, with the constitution being broken every day, we need better education as to both the contents of the constitution and all of our civic duty to fight to uphold it. Live free or die.

Alex CampbellOpposeMerrimack, NHfor MyselfFeb 10, 2025

I oppose this bill unless/until such time as Labor Day is added to the list of holidays in RSA 189:18.

stefan wickstromOpposenashua, NHfor MyselfFeb 10, 2025

STOP MAKING THINGS WORSE.

Tonja NeveOpposeStratham, NHfor MyselfFeb 10, 2025

Dear Committee Name, I am writing in opposition to HB571, which mandates specific patriotic exercises in public schools during certain weeks of the year. While I fully support educating students about history, civic responsibility, and the significance of patriotic words and symbols, I believe this bill imposes unnecessary state mandates on local school districts, infringing on their ability to design curriculum that best meets the needs of their students. Schools already incorporate civics education, discussions about the Constitution, and recognition of important national holidays. Requiring additional prescribed exercises could take time away from essential instructional content and put undue pressure on educators to conduct activities that may not align with their students’ learning needs. Moreover, discussions about patriotism and national symbols should be handled in a way that encourages critical thinking and inclusivity, rather than through rigid, state-imposed programming. Local school districts and educators are best equipped to determine how to incorporate civic education into their curricula in a meaningful and age-appropriate way. I urge you to oppose HB571 and allow schools the flexibility to continue fostering civic awareness in a way that aligns with their educational goals. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Patricia AnastasiaOpposeLondonderry, NHfor MyselfFeb 10, 2025

This bill is unnecessary. These topics are covered as part of history and social studies.

Heather FritchySupportDERRY, NHfor MyselfFeb 10, 2025

I absolutely support this bill. More Americans need to be aware of the critical writings on our Constitution and what actions are and are not constitutional.

Laura DuBoisOpposeBarrington, NHfor MyselfFeb 10, 2025

The language of this bill sounds like the intent is to force kids to participate in patriotism, whether or not they want to, and that cannot possibly lead anywhere good. Allow teachers to discuss things like the constitution and the national anthem in history and social studies classes as they have been doing for years, there's no reason to force schools to have some weird patriotism day. This just sounds like the goal is to brainwash them....

Krystal BloomOpposeFrancestown, NHfor MyselfFeb 10, 2025

Please vote ITL on this bill. Constitution Day is unnecessary and not required in our schools - we already have history classes that cover the Constitution of the United States of America. Another day is an unnecessary expense and waste of time for our teachers.

Jennifer SuitterOpposeMerrimack, NHfor MyselfFeb 10, 2025

No, this will not be what you're presenting. This will be whitewashed nonsense with no actual value except we're white, we're American, we're amazing, kiss the ground we walk on. will you teach that Francis Scott Key was a slave owner that spoke out against abolitionist movement? How about the fact the pledge of allegiance was created to sell flags and 'create' patriotism? Or the fact it was created to honor Christopher Columbus, the worst navigator on the planet? Or the Constitution, that when originally written, African Americans were considered to be 3/5's of a person? Kids need art. They need music. They need computer science. It allows them to grow and ask questions. But that's it, you don't want them to ask questions. You want them to be seen and not heard so when you present an idea, They just follow like the good little ducks they are.

Laura PawlendzioOpposeNewport, NHfor MyselfFeb 10, 2025

These subjects are all critical to a child’s education. Financial literacy, social studies, geography, music and arts all provide the basic foundation needed to function in society. We need to ensure our children are able to navigate in the adult world.and taking away the opportunity to gain these skills would severely limit their ability to attain careers in banking, graphic,arts, advertising, the armed services, political office, the music industry the list goes on to numerous to state. The state of New Hampshire places most of the funding burden for education on towns and ultimately on the property owners therefore the decision on what courses should be funded or eliminated should lay with the town and its residents. This bill shows a shocking lack of education on the part of those responsible for presenting it and more importantly a total lack of concern for the children of New Hampshire.

Gordon SpringateSupportWilton, NHfor MyselfFeb 10, 2025

Fully support this Bill. Does the word "annually" need to be included somewhere?

Kristina LucasOpposePortsmouth, NHfor MyselfFeb 10, 2025

Please support the education of our students.

Maekalah MacleodOpposeChester, NHfor MyselfFeb 10, 2025

It would be morally wrong to remove these subjects from the curriculum and public education

gayle blumenbergOpposePortsmouth, NHfor MyselfFeb 10, 2025

I strongly oppose the education bill. It guts the breathe and depth of learning and teaching for a comprehensive and educated life.

Oliver MatteSupportNorth Sutton, NHfor MyselfJan 29, 2025

Blockchain is a highly innovative and important technology. However, NH already has some of the highest energy costs in the country and blockchain companies are heavily energy intensive. I am concerned that this bill could further increase already unaffordable energy prices.

Daniel SmithOpposeNewmarket, NHfor MyselfJan 29, 2025

I oppose this bill. This bill is another shallow exercise in virtue signaling as well as an unfunded mandate that requires expansion of curriculum at a time when state support to public schools continues to decline. Please focus on real problems and not things like this.

Megan DavisSupportFrancestown, NHfor MyselfJan 29, 2025

All children should learn about the Constitution.

Carol PetrusewiczSupportRochester, NHfor MyselfFeb 10, 2025

Position recorded without written comment.

Megan SchmittSupportCONCORD, NHfor MyselfFeb 10, 2025

Position recorded without written comment.

Tina LeppleOpposeMarlborough, NHfor MyselfFeb 10, 2025

Position recorded without written comment.

Debrah HowesOpposeBow, NHfor American Federation of Teachers - NHFeb 10, 2025

Position recorded without written comment.

Elizabeth RaymondOpposeHOOKSETT, NHfor MyselfFeb 10, 2025

Position recorded without written comment.

Kaitlin BilodeauOpposeNashua, NHfor MyselfFeb 10, 2025

Position recorded without written comment.