This bill proposes to amend current statutes by adding a new section, 15-710.03, to the Arizona Revised Statutes, which mandates that each public school observe "Celebrate Freedom Week." During this week, schools are required to include specific civics instruction in social studies courses for grades one through twelve. This instruction will cover the original intent and historical context of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution, as well as the relationship of these documents to various topics in U.S. history, such as immigration, the American Revolution, and the abolitionist movement. Additionally, students in grades three through twelve will be required to recite a passage from the Declaration of Independence, with provisions for exemptions based on parental requests or conscientious objections.

The bill also outlines the responsibilities of the State Board of Education (SBE), which will have the authority to adopt rules for implementing these requirements and must ensure that public schools do not censor the founding documents to exclude religious references. The term "Celebrate Freedom Week" is defined as either the week that includes September 17 or another week designated by the school's governing body. The legislation is designated as the "Return to Civics Instruction Act" and will take effect on the general effective date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15-710.03
Senate Engrossed Version: 15-710.03