Bill Text: MS SB2313 | 2015 | Regular Session | Introduced

Mississippi Senate Bill 2313 (Prior Session Legislation)

Introduced

Bill Title: Acknowledge traditional winter holidays on public school grounds; authorize school districts to.

Sponsorship: Partisan Bill (Republican 1)

Status: (Failed) 2015-02-03 - Died In Committee [SB2313 Detail]

Download: Mississippi-2015-SB2313-Introduced.html

MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2015 Regular Session

To: Education

By: Senator(s) Gandy

Senate Bill 2313

AN ACT RELATING TO A SCHOOL DISTRICT'S RECOGNITION OF AND EDUCATION REGARDING TRADITIONAL WINTER CELEBRATIONS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. Winter celebrations. (1) A school district may educate students about the history of traditional winter celebrations, and allow students and district staff to offer traditional greetings regarding the celebrations, including:

(a) "Merry Christmas";

(b) "Happy Hanukkah"; and

(2) Except as provided by subsection (3), a school district may display on school property scenes or symbols associated with traditional winter celebrations, including a menorah or a Christmas image such as a nativity scene or Christmas tree, if the display includes a scene or symbol of:

(a) More than one (1) religion; or

(b) One (1) religion and at least one (1) secular scene or symbol.

(3) A display relating to a traditional winter celebration may not include a message that encourages adherence to a particular religious belief.

(4) This act applies beginning with the 2015-2016 school year.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2015.