West Alabama Lawmaker's Amendment Requiring National Anthem In Schools Passes Senate

TUSCALOOSA, AL — A proposed amendment that would require Alabama’s public schools to play the national anthem once each week cleared the Alabama Senate on Tuesday.

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The bill, sponsored by State Sen. Gerald Allen, R-Tuscaloosa, passed the Alabama Senate by a 22–5 vote and now heads to the Alabama House of Representatives for consideration.

Allen said Senate Bill 5 proposes an amendment to the Constitution of Alabama that would require local boards of education to adopt policies mandating that the first stanza of "The Star-Spangled Banner" be played at least once each week in K-12 public schools across the state.

This is the seventh time Allen has introduced the amendment, which failed to make it out of the Alabama Statehouse during the 2025 legislative session.

Allen said the proposal is intended to reinforce civic understanding among students and comes as the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of its founding.

“The Star-Spangled Banner reminds us who we are as Americans,” Allen said in a statement. “When you hear it, you think about the sacrifices that were made for our freedom and the pride we all feel in this country. Our children should grow up hearing that message and understanding what it means so the next generation appreciates the blessings of living in the United States.”

Because the measure proposes a constitutional amendment, it must receive support from at least 60% of lawmakers in both chambers of the Alabama Legislature before it can advance to voters.

If approved by the House of Representatives, the proposed amendment would be placed on the statewide ballot for Alabama voters to decide.

Allen said he believes the amendment would receive strong public support and would serve as a way to pass along the story and meaning of the national anthem to future generations.

“Our national anthem carries the story of our country and the sacrifices that built it,” Allen said. “Making sure our students hear it each week helps pass that story on to the next generation.”

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