Iowa Could Soon Require Students And Faculty To Sing The National Anthem In Classrooms

Iowa may soon be home to the most patriotic schools in the country as new legislation would require students and faculty to sing the national anthem both in the classroom and ahead of sporting events.

Iowa's House Study Bill 587 would require students and staff to stand and sing the anthem on a daily basis. Students would also learn about the anthem's history in social studies classes.

"The board of directors of each public school shall require all teachers providing classroom instruction and all students in attendance to sing at least one verse of the national anthem each school day," the bill stated. Students and staff would be required to sing the anthem in its entirety on "patriotic occasions," according to Fox News.

There is, however, a way out. 

Students and faculty would be mandated to sing at least one verse of the nation's song, but there is an option to opt-out of singing, but all those who are physically able would still be required to stand at attention "maintaining a respectful silence." Any faculty member who decides to opt-out would be replaced by a suitable member to sing in place of them.

Students and staff in schools around the state of Iowa could soon be required to sing the national anthem. (Getty)

Rep. Henry Stone, R-Iowa, is in support of the bill and believes it is for the betterment of American culture.

"I believe that our kids should be more exposed to things like our national anthem, those that have supported our country, our servicemen — myself being one of them," Stone said. "I grew up in a household that valued patriotism, that promoted patriotism. It’s why I joined as a third-generation military man, serving our country for 22 years. So I believe in this bill. I believe that it’s something that we can put back into our schools that has added value."

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Democrat Rep. Sue Cahill, a retired teacher, is on the opposite side of the aisle. 

Last month she sang the national anthem at a House subcommittee hearing, but after the fact decided to denounce the proposed bill.

"The school classroom is not the place for mandating the singing of the national anthem, thus mandating patriotism for students, I think that’s something students choose and it’s something that they learn and they’ll learn it in other ways," Cahill stated.

As a '90s baby myself I absolutely remember standing for the Pledge of Allegiance at the start of each school day starting in elementary school all the way through high school. We never sang the national anthem in the classroom, but certainly did ahead of sporting events.

A little added patriotism to the classroom certainly wouldn't be a bad thing.