WHEREAS, The federal law establishing Constitution Day and Citizenship Day was created in 2004, to ensure that students are made aware of the importance of this major historical event in United States history; and
     WHEREAS, Constitution Day and Citizenship Day is an American federal observance that recognizes the ratification of the United States Constitution and those who have become United States citizens, and it is observed on September 17th, the day the U.S. Constitutional Convention signed the Constitution in 1787; and
     WHEREAS, The act mandates that on September 17th of each year, all publicly funded educational institutions provide educational programming on the history of the American Constitution; and
     WHEREAS, In May 2005, the United States Department of Education announced the enactment of this law, and that it would apply to any school receiving federal funds of any kind; and
     WHEREAS, This federal law does not distinguish between elementary, secondary, or college level institutions, so it must be interpreted to apply to all levels; and
     WHEREAS, When Constitution Day falls on a weekend or other holiday, schools and institutions shall observe the holiday on an adjacent weekday; and
     WHEREAS, A similar Washington State law regarding Constitution Day complies with much of the federal law, but fails to recognize the federal law's mandate that the Constitution be taught specifically on Constitution Day, rather than on a day of the state's choosing;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That, the Washington State Senate recognize and honor the remarkable achievement and legacy that is the United States Constitution, and that it encourages Washington State schools to recognize and discuss the Constitution on the federally designated Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, which occurs on September 17th of each year; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to the Washington State Superintendent of Public Instruction for distribution to all statewide, publicly funded school districts.