SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5171

BYSenators Fleming, Talmadge, Bauer and Niemi

Establishing educational activities for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

Senate Committee on Education

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 16, 1989; January 26, 1989

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Bailey, Chairman; Lee, Vice Chairman; Bender, Benitz, Fleming, Gaspard, Murray, Rinehart.

Senate Staff:Leslie Goldstein (786-7424)

                  January 31, 1990

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION, JANUARY 26, 1989

BACKGROUND:

In 1984 the Legislature established the third Monday in January as an annual school holiday in recognition of the anniversary of the birth of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  There is no requirement that schools present appropriate activities observing the anniversary of Dr. King's birth.

SUMMARY:

Educational activities of at least 60 minutes total must be provided in each common school during the week preceding the third Monday in January each year.  The activities must be suitable to the observance of the anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.'s birth and must embrace topics tending to instill a commitment to human dignity and social equality.

The Superintendent of Public Instruction and each educational service district, upon request, shall provide assistance to schools and districts in the preparation of activities to observe the anniversary of the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  The SPI is directed to disseminate information to all districts about educational activities suitable to observing the anniversary of Dr. King's birth through the State Clearinghouse of Educational Information.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: PRO:  Nate Miles, Senior Legislative Assistant to Senator Fleming; Kris Van Gorkom, Washington Association of School Administrators