Elementary-school classrooms throughout Florida would be required to display portraits of Presidents George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, under a bill filed Thursday.
The “patriotic displays” proposal (SB 420 and HB 371) also would require portraits of the two presidents to be located in a “conspicuous place” in classrooms “primarily used for social studies instruction” in grades 6-12.
Sen. Danny Burgess, R-Zephyrhills, and Rep. John Snyder, R-Stuart, sponsored the measure for consideration during the legislative session that begins Jan. 13.
The proposal would require the Department of Education to select the depictions of the presidents and distribute them to school districts.
The portraits would be part of a state “patriotic program” law requiring the motto “In God We Trust” to be displayed in school district buildings.
The lawmakers said the bill seeks to “restore a proud tradition that reminds students of the nation’s history, the principles it stands for, and the vision the founders set in motion” in advance of next year’s 250th anniversary of the 1776 signing of the Declaration of Independence.
The portraits “served as a symbol of the foundation of America and our democracy,” Burgess said in a statement.
Snyder called Washington and Lincoln “shining examples of servant-leadership, grit, determination, and resolve in the face adversity.”
