Danny Burgess and John Snyder Propose Mandatory Portraits of Washington and Lincoln in Florida Schools
Florida lawmakers Danny Burgess and John Snyder have introduced legislation, known as SB 420, that would require all public school classrooms to display portraits of Presidents George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. The initiative aligns with the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary and is designed to rekindle a sense of national pride and historical awareness among students.
“Presidents Washington and Lincoln are shining examples of servant leadership, grit, determination, and resolve in the face of adversity.”
The proposed law mandates the display of portraits in kindergarten through fifth-grade classrooms and all social studies rooms for grades six through twelve. The Florida Department of Education will be responsible for selecting the official portraits to ensure consistency across schools.
State Senator Danny Burgess, a Republican from Zephyrhills, said the idea came after visiting a historic classroom with his family that still displayed portraits of the two presidents.
“I couldn’t help but ask myself, why did we ever stop having these two historic figures displayed in Florida classrooms?”
Burgess emphasized that, in earlier years, portraits of Washington and Lincoln were a common feature in Florida’s classrooms, symbolizing the roots of the nation’s democracy and shared civic values. Representative John Snyder of Stuart echoed this sentiment, saying the bipartisan effort seeks to instill examples of leadership, determination, and perseverance in students through the enduring legacies of these two presidents.
Key Details of the Proposal
- Bill number: SB 420
- Requirement: Display portraits of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln
- Applies to: Kindergarten–12th grade classrooms (social studies and lower grades)
- Overseen by: Florida Department of Education
- Purpose: Reinforce civic pride and awareness of America’s founding principles
Author Summary
This legislation by Florida lawmakers Danny Burgess and John Snyder seeks to restore a tradition of honoring Washington and Lincoln in classrooms, reinforcing civic education and national identity.