SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6698
BYSenators Fleming and Talmadge
Providing for school programs for observing the anniversary of the birth of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Senate Committee on Education
Senate Hearing Date(s):February 3, 1988
Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6698 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.
Signed by Senators Bailey, Chairman; Kiskaddon, Vice Chairman; Bauer, Bender, Gaspard, Lee, Rinehart.
Senate Staff:Larry Davis (786-7422)
February 4, 1988
AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION, FEBRUARY 3, 1988
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 of 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 (SPI) and each educational service district shall provide assistance in the preparation of the activities. 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 Education Information.
EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:
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 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birth.
Fiscal Note: none
Revenue: none
Fiscal Note: none requested
Senate Committee - Testified: Bob Fisher, Washington Education Association (for)