reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 11 - GENERAL PROVISIONS PERTAINING TO EDUCATION (§§ 37-11-1 — 37-11-NEW-002) › Section 37-11-67 - Bullying or harassing behavior in public schools prohibited

(1)
As used in this section, "bullying or harassing behavior" is any pattern of gestures or written, electronic or verbal communications, or any physical act or any threatening communication, or any act reasonably perceived as being motivated by any actual or perceived differentiating characteristic, that takes place on school property, at any school-sponsored function, or on a school bus, and that:
(a)
Places a student or school employee in actual and reasonable fear of harm to his or her person or damage to his or her property; or
(b)
Creates or is certain to create a hostile environment by substantially interfering with or impairing a student's educational performance, opportunities or benefits. For purposes of this section, "hostile environment" means that the victim subjectively views the conduct as bullying or harassing behavior and the conduct is objectively severe or pervasive enough that a reasonable person would agree that it is bullying or harassing behavior.
(2)
No student or school employee shall be subjected to bullying or harassing behavior by school employees or students.
(3)
No person shall engage in any act of reprisal or retaliation against a victim, witness or a person with reliable information about an act of bullying or harassing behavior.
(4)
A school employee who has witnessed or has reliable information that a student or school employee has been subject to any act of bullying or harassing behavior shall report the incident to the appropriate school official.
(5)
A student or volunteer who has witnessed or has reliable information that a student or school employee has been subject to any act of bullying or harassing behavior should report the incident to the appropriate school official.
(6)
Conduct described in subsection (1) of this section is considered bullying if that conduct interferes with a student's education or substantially disrupts the operation of a school.
Laws, 2010, ch. 508, § 1, eff. 7/1/2010.
Amended by Laws, 2017, ch. 365, HB 263, 1, eff. 7/1/2017.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 11 - GENERAL PROVISIONS PERTAINING TO EDUCATION (§§ 37-11-1 — 37-11-NEW-002) › Section 37-11-69 - Anti-bullying personnel and discipline policies and code of student conduct

(1)
Each local school district shall include in its personnel policies, discipline policies and code of student conduct a prohibition against bullying or harassing behavior and adopt procedures for reporting, investigating and addressing such behavior, that:
(a)
Prohibit the bullying of a student;
(b)
Prohibit retaliation against any person, including a victim, a witness, or another person, who in good faith provides information concerning an incident of bullying;
(c)
Establish a procedure for providing notice of an incident of bullying to a parent or guardian of the victim and a parent or guardian of the bully within a reasonable amount of time after the incident;
(d)
Establish the actions a student should take to obtain assistance and intervention in response to bullying;
(e)
Set out the available counseling options for a student who is a victim of or a witness to bullying or who engages in bullying;
(f)
Establish procedures for reporting an incident of bullying, investigating a reported incident of bullying and determining whether the reported incident of bullying occurred;
(g)
Prohibit the imposition of a disciplinary measure on a student who, after an investigation, is found to be a victim of bullying, on the basis of that student's use of reasonable self-defense in response to the bullying; and
(h)
Require that discipline for bullying of a student with disabilities comply with applicable requirements under federal law, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 USCS Section 1400 et seq.).
(2)
The policies must recognize the fundamental right of every student to take reasonable actions as may be necessary to defend himself or herself from an attack by another student who has evidenced menacing or threatening behavior through bullying or harassing.
(3)
The procedure for reporting bullying established under subsection (1) of this section must be posted on the district's Internet website.
Laws, 2010, ch. 508, § 2, eff. 7/1/2010.
Amended by Laws, 2017, ch. 365, HB 263, 2, eff. 7/1/2017.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 11 - GENERAL PROVISIONS PERTAINING TO EDUCATION (§§ 37-11-1 — 37-11-NEW-002) › Section 37-11-73 - Disbursement of certain funds by school districts to nonprofit foundations under certain circumstances

(1)
This section applies only to those school districts in which there exists a foundation incorporated as a nonprofit organization, legally separate from any school district, which has as its sole purpose the receiving of grants, donations and gifts of real or personal property, or both, to be used and applied exclusively for educational purposes in a particular school district with the goals of enhancing the public educational experience of students and improving the quality of their instruction in that school district.
(2)
Whenever an audit of a school district described under subsection (1) includes a finding that the foundation supporting the educational purposes of that school district is considered to be a blended component unit of the district, as determined by Section 2100 of the "Codification of Governmental Accounting and Financial Reporting Standards," any funds belonging to the foundation which are transferred to the public funds of the school district upon the dissolution of the foundation due to the auditor's finding may be disbursed to any successor foundation that subsequently is incorporated as a nonprofit entity if:
(a)
The successor foundation adopts as its primary mission the same purpose and goals as the original foundation;
(b)
The funds of the successor foundation are not subject to any oversight by the school board of the school district, nor shall any member of the local school board serve as a member of the foundation's board of directors, and the successor foundation is structured legally in such a manner that the foundation is not considered, under generally accepted accounting principles, to be part of the school district;
(c)
The funds that are the subject of the disbursement are to be used by the successor foundation in carrying out its purpose of enhancing the public educational experience and quality of the instruction available to students in the school district, which is a purpose recognized to be primarily a function of the government; and
(d)
The precise amount of the principal of the funds to be disbursed, along with any interest that has been earned on the principal, less any amount previously obligated by the school district, has been determined through an independent analysis of the school district's fund or funds to which the predecessor foundation's funds were transferred.
(3)
A disbursement of funds by a school district under this section is considered a disbursement made for a public purpose in consideration of the foundation's aid to the school district in discharging the district's governmental obligation to provide a quality education to the children of that school district.
Laws, 2011, ch. 408, § 1, eff. 7/1/2011.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 11 - GENERAL PROVISIONS PERTAINING TO EDUCATION (§§ 37-11-1 — 37-11-NEW-002) › Section 37-11-75 - Certain nonpublic schools to include in driver's education program instruction in how a person should properly respond when stopped by law enforcement officers

Any nonpublic school accredited by the State Board of Education or any other accreditation agency that offers a driver's education program shall include as part of such program the program developed by the Department of Public Safety under Section
37-25-29
, related to how persons should properly respond when stopped by law enforcement officers.
Added by Laws, 2017, ch. 430, HB 907, 12, eff. 7/1/2017.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 11 - GENERAL PROVISIONS PERTAINING TO EDUCATION (§§ 37-11-1 — 37-11-NEW-002) › Section 37-11-77 - Public school students to have equal opportunity to engage in partisan or nonpartisan activities or expressions, and have equal access to school facilities, before, during and after the school day

Students in public schools may engage in political activities or political or philosophical expression before, during and after the school day in the same manner and to the same extent that students may engage in nonpolitical activities or expression. Students may organize partisan or nonpartisan political groups, political clubs, political rallies, or other politically themed gatherings before, during and after school to the same extent that students are permitted to organize other noncurricular student activities and groups. Partisan and nonpartisan political groups must be given the same access to school facilities for assembling as is given to other noncurricular groups without discrimination based on the political content of the students' expression.
Added by Laws, 2022, ch. 387, HB 1416,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2022.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 11 - GENERAL PROVISIONS PERTAINING TO EDUCATION (§§ 37-11-1 — 37-11-NEW-002) › Section 37-11-79 - Denial of equal access to or discrimination against students wishing to conduct meetings within limited open forum on the basis of political, philosophical or ideological content prohibited; authority of school to maintain order, protect students, and assure attendance at meetings is voluntary

(1)
It shall be unlawful for any public school which has a limited open forum to deny equal access or a fair opportunity to, or discriminate against, any students who wish to conduct a meeting within that limited open forum on the basis of the political, philosophical, ideological or other content of the speech at such meetings.
(2)
Nothing in Sections
37-11-77
and 37-11-79 shall be construed to limit the authority of the school, its agents or employees, to maintain order and discipline on school premises, to protect the well-being of students and faculty, and to assure that attendance of students at meetings is voluntary.
Added by Laws, 2022, ch. 387, HB 1416,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2022.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 11 - GENERAL PROVISIONS PERTAINING TO EDUCATION (§§ 37-11-1 — 37-11-NEW-002) › Section 37-11-83 - Availability of feminine hygiene products at no cost to students in Grades 6 through 12

(1)
As used in this section the following terms shall have the meaning ascribed herein:
(a)
"Feminine hygiene products" means tampons and sanitary napkins for use in connection with the menstrual cycle.
(b)
"School building" means any facility:
(i)
That is owned or leased by the school district or over which the board has care, custody and control; and
(ii)
In which there is a public school serving students in Grade 6 through Grade 12.
(2)
School districts are authorized to make feminine hygiene products available, at no cost to students, in the bathrooms or offices of the school nurse in school buildings.
Added by Laws, 2023, ch. 449, HB 1264,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2023.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 11 - GENERAL PROVISIONS PERTAINING TO EDUCATION (§§ 37-11-1 — 37-11-NEW-002) › Section 37-11-NEW-001 - [Newly enacted section not yet numbered] [Definitions]

The following terms shall have the meanings ascribed herein:
(a)
"Cardiac Emergency Response Plan (CERP)" shall mean a written document that establishes the specific steps to reduce death from cardiac arrest in any setting - be it a school, community organization, workplace, or sports facility.
(b)
"Automated External Defibrillator (AED)" shall mean a lightweight, portable device that delivers an electric shock through the chest to the heart. The shock can potentially stop an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) and allow a normal rhythm to resume following sudden cardiac arrest (SCA).
(c)
"Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA)" means when the heart malfunctions and stops beating unexpectedly, and if not treated within minutes, it quickly leads to death.
Added by Laws, 2024, ch. 383, SB 2349,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2024.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 11 - GENERAL PROVISIONS PERTAINING TO EDUCATION (§§ 37-11-1 — 37-11-NEW-002) › Section 37-11-NEW-002 - [Newly enacted section not yet numbered] [Public schools - Duty to develop cardiac emergency response plan (CERP)

(1)
Beginning in the 2024-2025 school year, each public school shall develop a cardiac emergency response plan (CERP) that addresses the appropriate use of school personnel to respond to incidents involving an individual experiencing sudden cardiac arrest or a similar life-threatening emergency while on school grounds.
(2)
Beginning in the 2024-2025 school year, each public school with an athletic department or organized athletic program shall develop a cardiac emergency response plan that addresses the appropriate use of school personnel to respond to incidents involving an individual experiencing sudden cardiac arrest or a similar life-threatening emergency while attending or participating in an athletic practice or event while on school grounds.
(3)
School officials shall work directly with local emergency service providers to integrate the CERP into the community's EMS responder protocols. Each plan shall integrate evidence-based core elements, such as those recommended by the American Heart Association guidelines or another nationally recognized, evidence-based standard.
(4)
The CERP shall integrate, at a minimum, the following guidelines:
(a)
Establishing a cardiac emergency response team;
(b)
Activating the team in response to a SCA;
(c)
A plan for implementing AED placement and routine maintenance within the school;
(d)
Disseminating the plan throughout the school campus;
(e)
Maintaining ongoing staff training in CPR/AED use;
(f)
Practicing using drills annually;
(g)
Integrating local EMS with the plan; and
(h)
Ongoing and annual review and evaluation of the plan.
(5)
Appropriate AED placement shall be dictated by the CERP and in accordance with guidelines set by the American Heart Association or another nationally recognized, evidence-based standard. A school or local and regional board of education may accept gifts, grants and donations, including in-kind donations designated for the purchase of an AED that meets the standards established by the United States Food and Drug Administration and for the costs incurred to inspect and maintain such device and train staff in the use of such device.
(6)
Appropriate school staff shall be trained in first-aid, CPR, and AED use that follow evidence-based guidelines set forth by the American Heart Association or another nationally recognized, evidence-based standard. Staff trained shall be determined by the CERP, including, but not limited to, licensed coaches, school nurses and athletic trainers.
Added by Laws, 2024, ch. 383, SB 2349,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2024.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 12 - MISSISSIPPI STUDENT RELIGIOUS LIBERTIES ACT OF 2013 (§§ 37-12-1 — 37-12-15) › Section 37-12-1 - Short title

This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Mississippi Student Religious Liberties Act of 2013."
Added by Laws, 2013, ch. 334, SB 2633, 1, eff. 7/1/2013.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 12 - MISSISSIPPI STUDENT RELIGIOUS LIBERTIES ACT OF 2013 (§§ 37-12-1 — 37-12-15) › Section 37-12-3 - Student expression

A public school district shall not discriminate against students or parents on the basis of a religious viewpoint or religious expression. A school district shall treat a student's voluntary expression of a religious viewpoint, if any, on an otherwise permissible subject in the same manner the district treats a student's voluntary expression of a secular or other viewpoint on an otherwise permissible subject and may not discriminate against the student based on a religious viewpoint expressed by the student on an otherwise permissible subject.
Added by Laws, 2013, ch. 334, SB 2633, 2, eff. 7/1/2013.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 12 - MISSISSIPPI STUDENT RELIGIOUS LIBERTIES ACT OF 2013 (§§ 37-12-1 — 37-12-15) › Section 37-12-5 - Religious expression in class assignments

Students may express their beliefs about religion in homework, artwork, and other written and oral assignments free from discrimination based on the religious content of their submissions. Homework and classroom assignments must be judged by ordinary academic standards of substance and relevance and against other legitimate pedagogical concerns identified by the school district. Students may not be penalized or rewarded on account of the religious content of their work. If an assignment requires a student's viewpoint to be expressed in coursework, artwork or other written or oral assignments, a public school shall not penalize or reward a student on the basis of religious content or a religious viewpoint. In such an assignment, a student's academic work that expresses a religious viewpoint shall be evaluated based on ordinary academic standards of substance and relevance to the course curriculum or requirements of the coursework or assignment.
Added by Laws, 2013, ch. 334, SB 2633, 3, eff. 7/1/2013.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 12 - MISSISSIPPI STUDENT RELIGIOUS LIBERTIES ACT OF 2013 (§§ 37-12-1 — 37-12-15) › Section 37-12-7 - Freedom to organize religious groups and activities

Students in public schools may pray or engage in religious activities or religious expression before, during and after the school day in the same manner and to the same extent that students may engage in nonreligious activities or expression. Students may organize prayer groups, religious clubs, "see you at the pole" gatherings, or other religious gatherings before, during and after school to the same extent that students are permitted to organize other noncurricular student activities and groups. Religious groups must be given the same access to school facilities for assembling as is given to other noncurricular groups without discrimination based on the religious content of the students' expression. If student groups that meet for nonreligious activities are permitted to advertise or announce meetings of the groups, the school district may not discriminate against groups that meet for prayer or other religious speech. A school district may disclaim school sponsorship of noncurricular groups and events in a manner that neither favors nor disfavors groups that meet to engage in prayer or religious speech.
Students in public schools may wear clothing, accessories and jewelry that display religious messages or religious symbols in the same manner and to the same extent that other types of clothing, accessories and jewelry that display messages or symbols are permitted.
Added by Laws, 2013, ch. 334, SB 2633, 4, eff. 7/1/2013.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 12 - MISSISSIPPI STUDENT RELIGIOUS LIBERTIES ACT OF 2013 (§§ 37-12-1 — 37-12-15) › Section 37-12-11 - No authority to require participation in religious activities or violate constitutional rights

This chapter shall not be construed to authorize this state or any of its political subdivisions to do either of the following:
(a)
Require any person to participate in prayer or in any other religious activity.
(b)
Violate the constitutional rights of any person.
Added by Laws, 2013, ch. 334, SB 2633, 6, eff. 7/1/2013.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 12 - MISSISSIPPI STUDENT RELIGIOUS LIBERTIES ACT OF 2013 (§§ 37-12-1 — 37-12-15) › Section 37-12-13 - No limitation on authority of public schools to maintain order, discipline and safety or to adopt and enforce student speech policies

This chapter shall not be construed to limit the authority of any public school to do any of the following:
(a)
Maintain order and discipline on the campus of the public school in a content and viewpoint neutral manner.
(b)
Protect the safety of students, employees and visitors of the public school.
(c)
Adopt and enforce policies and procedures regarding student speech at school provided that the policies and procedures do not violate the rights of students as guaranteed by the United States and Mississippi constitutions and laws.
Added by Laws, 2013, ch. 334, SB 2633, 7, eff. 7/1/2013.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 12 - MISSISSIPPI STUDENT RELIGIOUS LIBERTIES ACT OF 2013 (§§ 37-12-1 — 37-12-15) › Section 37-12-15 - Applicability of chapter

This chapter applies beginning with the 2013-2014 school year.
Added by Laws, 2013, ch. 334, SB 2633, 8, eff. 7/1/2013.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 13 - CURRICULUM; SCHOOL YEAR AND ATTENDANCE (§§ 37-13-1 — 37-13-213) › IN GENERAL (§§ 37-13-1 — 37-13-60.1) › Section 37-13-1 - Uniform system of free public schools

There shall be maintained a uniform system of free public schools consisting of grades one through twelve, which may be divided between grammar schools, junior high schools and high schools, or any combination thereof, on such basis and in such grades as the board of trustees of the school district involved, in its discretion, shall deem necessary and desirable.
Codes, 1942, § 6216-01; Laws, 1953, Ex Sess, ch. 26, § 1, eff. 7/1/1954.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 13 - CURRICULUM; SCHOOL YEAR AND ATTENDANCE (§§ 37-13-1 — 37-13-213) › IN GENERAL (§§ 37-13-1 — 37-13-60.1) › Section 37-13-2 - Compelling or directing students to affirm the inherent superiority or inferiority of, or that individuals should be adversely treated on the basis of, sex, race, ethnicity, religion or national origin by public institutions of higher learning, community or junior colleges, school districts, or charter schools prohibited; distinguishing or classifying students based on race prohibited

(1)
No public institution of higher learning, community/junior college, school district or public school, including public charter schools, shall direct or otherwise compel students to personally affirm, adopt or adhere to any of the following tenets:
(a)
That any sex, race, ethnicity, religion or national origin is inherently superior or inferior; or
(b)
That individuals should be adversely treated on the basis of their sex, race, ethnicity, religion or national origin.
(2)
No public institution of higher learning, community/junior college, school district or public school, including public charter schools, shall make a distinction or classification of students based on account of race, provided that nothing in this subsection shall be construed to prohibit the required collection or reporting of demographic information by such schools or institutions.
(3)
No public institution of higher learning, community/junior college, school district or public school, including public charter schools, shall teach a course of instruction or unit of study that directs or otherwise compels students to personally affirm, adopt or adhere to any of the tenets identified in subsection (1)(a) and (b) of this section.
(4)
No funds shall be expended by the State Department of Education, any entity under the Department of Education's jurisdiction or purview, a school district, public charter school, community/junior college, the Mississippi Community College Board, the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning or a public institution of higher learning for any purpose that would violate the provisions of this section.
(5)
The provisions of this section shall be severable, and if any provision of this section or the application of such provision to any person or circumstance is declared invalid for any reason, such declaration shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this section.
Added by Laws, 2022, ch. 355, SB 2113,§ 1, eff. 3/14/2022.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 13 - CURRICULUM; SCHOOL YEAR AND ATTENDANCE (§§ 37-13-1 — 37-13-213) › IN GENERAL (§§ 37-13-1 — 37-13-60.1) › Section 37-13-3 - Doctrinal, sectarian or denominational teaching

No doctrinal, sectarian or denominational teaching shall be permitted in public schools of this state. It shall be the duty of the county superintendents of education and the superintendents of municipal separate school districts to enforce the provisions of this section.
Codes, 1942, § 6216-11; Laws, 1953, Ex Sess, ch. 26, § 11, eff. 7/1/1954.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 13 - CURRICULUM; SCHOOL YEAR AND ATTENDANCE (§§ 37-13-1 — 37-13-213) › IN GENERAL (§§ 37-13-1 — 37-13-60.1) › Section 37-13-4 - Voluntary participation in prayer generally

It shall be lawful for any teacher or school administrator in any of the schools of the state which are supported, in whole or in part, by the public funds of the state, to permit the voluntary participation by students or others in prayer. Nothing contained in this section shall authorize any teacher or other school authority to prescribe the form or content of any prayer. The provisions of this section shall not be construed to amend or repeal the provisions of Section
37-13-4.1
but shall be considered as supplemental and in addition to the provisions of Section
37-13-4.1
.
Laws, 1979, ch. 374; Laws, 1994, ch. 609, § 2, eff. 7/1/1994.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 13 - CURRICULUM; SCHOOL YEAR AND ATTENDANCE (§§ 37-13-1 — 37-13-213) › IN GENERAL (§§ 37-13-1 — 37-13-60.1) › Section 37-13-4.1 - Voluntary prayer at school-related student events

(1)
The legislative intent and purpose for this section is to protect the freedom of speech guaranteed by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, to define for the citizens of Mississippi the rights and privileges that are accorded them on public school property, other public property or other property at school-related events; and to provide guidance to public school officials on the rights and requirements of law that they must apply. The intent and purpose of the Legislature is to accommodate the free exercise of religious rights of its student citizens in the public schools and at public school events as provided to them by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution and the judicial interpretations thereof as given by the United States Supreme Court.
(2)
On public school property, other public property or other property, invocations, benedictions or nonsectarian, nonproselytizing student-initiated voluntary prayer shall be permitted during compulsory or noncompulsory school-related student assemblies, student sporting events, graduation or commencement ceremonies and other school-related student events.
(3)
This section shall not diminish the right of any student or person to exercise his rights of free speech and religion, including prayer, as permitted by the United States Constitution, on public school property, other public property or other property, at times or events other than those stated in subsection (2) of this section.
(4)
The exercise of the rights guaranteed under subsection (2) of this section shall not be construed to indicate any support, approval or sanction of the contents of any such prayer, invocation, benediction or other activity, or be construed as an unconstitutional use of any public property or other property by the State of Mississippi or any agency, department, board, commission, institution or other instrumentality thereof or any political subdivision of the state, including any county or municipality and any instrumentality thereof. The exercise of these rights on public school property, other public property or on other property for school-related activities, by students or others, shall not be construed as the promotion or establishment of any religion or religious belief.
(5)
The provisions of this section are severable. If any part of this section is declared invalid or unconstitutional, that declaration shall not affect the part or parts that remain.
Laws, 1994, ch. 609, § 1, eff. 7/1/1994.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 13 - CURRICULUM; SCHOOL YEAR AND ATTENDANCE (§§ 37-13-1 — 37-13-213) › IN GENERAL (§§ 37-13-1 — 37-13-60.1) › Section 37-13-5 - Display of Mississippi and United States flags; course of study

(1)
The flag of the State of Mississippi and the flag of the United States shall be displayed in close proximity to the school building at all times during the hours of daylight when the school is in session when the weather will permit without damage to the flag. It shall be the duty of the board of trustees of the school district to provide for the flags and their display.
(2)
Whenever the flag of the United States is to be flown at half-staff by order or instructions of the President or pursuant to federal law, all public schools shall lower the United States flag in accordance with the executive order or instructions or federal law. The school shall announce the reason that the flag is being flown at half-staff to all students in assembly or by teachers in the various classrooms or by prominently displaying written notice throughout the school stating the reason that the flag has been lowered.
(3)
In all public schools there shall be given a course of study concerning the flag of the United States and the flag of the State of Mississippi. The course of study shall include the history of each flag and what they represent and the proper respect therefor. There also shall be taught in the public schools the duties and obligations of citizenship, patriotism, Americanism and respect for and obedience to law.
Codes, 1942, § 6216-07; Laws, 1953, Ex Sess, ch. 26, § 7; Laws, 1970, ch. 360, § 1; Laws, 2002, ch. 457, § 2, eff. 7/1/2002.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 13 - CURRICULUM; SCHOOL YEAR AND ATTENDANCE (§§ 37-13-1 — 37-13-213) › IN GENERAL (§§ 37-13-1 — 37-13-60.1) › Section 37-13-6 - Display of United States flag near public school buildings and in classrooms; student instruction in proper flag etiquette; daily recitation of pledge of allegiance at beginning of school day

(1)
The flag of the United States shall be displayed in close proximity to the school building, on a proper staff, at all times during the hours of daylight when the school is in session when the weather will permit without damage to the flag. In addition, the flag of the United States shall be displayed in each classroom and in each principal room of the school building at all times while school is in session. It shall be the duty of the school boards of each school district to provide for the flags, proper flag staffs and their proper display. Each school district shall provide student instruction in the proper etiquette toward, correct display of, and respect for the flag, and in patriotic exercises. The instruction shall be a part of the district's fifth grade social studies curriculum or history curriculum, with the assistance of the State Department of Education.
(2)
From and after July 1, 2002, the school boards of all public schools of this state shall require the teachers under their control to have all pupils repeat the oath of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America at the beginning of the first hour of class each day school is in session, such oath of allegiance being as follows:
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
Any student or teacher who objects to reciting the oath of allegiance shall be excused from participating without penalty.
Laws, 2002, ch. 457, § 1, eff. 7/1/2002.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 13 - CURRICULUM; SCHOOL YEAR AND ATTENDANCE (§§ 37-13-1 — 37-13-213) › IN GENERAL (§§ 37-13-1 — 37-13-60.1) › Section 37-13-7 - Pledges of allegiance to United States and Mississippi flags

(1)
The boards of trustees of the public schools of this state shall require the teachers under their control to have all pupils repeat the oath of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America at least once during each school month, such oath of allegiance being as follows:
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
(2)
The official pledge of the State of Mississippi shall read as follows:
"I salute the flag of Mississippi and the sovereign state for which it stands with pride in her history and achievements and with confidence in her future under the guidance of Almighty God."
The pledge of allegiance to the Mississippi flag shall be taught in the public schools of this state, along with the pledge of allegiance to the United States flag.
Codes, 1942, §§ 6216-08, 6216-08.5; Laws, 1953, Ex Sess, ch. 26, § 8; Laws, 1960, ch. 391; Laws, 1962, ch. 492, §§ 1-3.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 13 - CURRICULUM; SCHOOL YEAR AND ATTENDANCE (§§ 37-13-1 — 37-13-213) › IN GENERAL (§§ 37-13-1 — 37-13-60.1) › Section 37-13-8 - Period of quiet reflection at opening of school day

(1)
In each public school classroom, the local school governing board may authorize a brief period of quiet reflection for not more than sixty (60) seconds at the opening of school upon every school day.
(2)
The moment of quiet reflection authorized by subsection (1) of this section is not intended to be and shall not be conducted as a religious service or exercise but is considered an opportunity for a moment of silent reflection.
Laws, 2001, ch. 485, § 1, eff. 7/1/2001.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 13 - CURRICULUM; SCHOOL YEAR AND ATTENDANCE (§§ 37-13-1 — 37-13-213) › IN GENERAL (§§ 37-13-1 — 37-13-60.1) › Section 37-13-9 - Curriculum committee

The state board of education is hereby authorized to appoint a curriculum committee, composed of professional and lay members, not to exceed seven in number, to make a continuous study of the curriculum of the public schools and to make recommendations to the state board of education from time to time as to changes which should be made in the curriculum in the grammar school grades and in the high school grades. The members of such committee as of July 1, 1954, shall continue to serve until the expiration of the terms for which they were appointed; thereafter the members of such committee shall be appointed and serve for a term of two years and until their successors are appointed. Each member of said committee shall receive a per diem of Fifteen Dollars ($15.00) for each day actually spent attending the meetings of the committee and, in addition, each member shall be reimbursed for actual travel expenses at the rate of Six cents ($.06) per mile for each mile traveled in attending the meetings of the committee. However, the total amount paid to any member of the committee for per diem shall not exceed the sum of One Hundred Fifty Dollars ($150.00) in any one year. The per diem and travel expenses provided for herein shall be paid out of such appropriation as may be made for such purpose by the legislature.
Codes, 1942, § 6216-03; Laws, 1953, Ex Sess, ch. 26, § 3, eff. 7/1/1954.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 13 - CURRICULUM; SCHOOL YEAR AND ATTENDANCE (§§ 37-13-1 — 37-13-213) › IN GENERAL (§§ 37-13-1 — 37-13-60.1) › Section 37-13-10 - Public elementary schools to provide instruction in cursive reading and writing; exceptions

The State Board of Education is authorized and directed to require all public school districts to meet the following elementary education curriculum standard: The standard course of study shall include the requirement that the public schools provide instruction in cursive reading and writing, implemented across the curriculum, so that students create readable documents through legible cursive handwriting by the end of the fifth grade, and that students pass with proficiency a teacher-constructed test demonstrating the students competency in both reading and writing cursive. This requirement shall be applicable beginning with the 2018-2019 school year. The provisions of this section shall not be applicable to the Mississippi School for the Blind and the Mississippi School for the Deaf.
Added by Laws, 2017, ch. 423, SB 2273, 1, eff. 7/1/2017.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 13 - CURRICULUM; SCHOOL YEAR AND ATTENDANCE (§§ 37-13-1 — 37-13-213) › IN GENERAL (§§ 37-13-1 — 37-13-60.1) › Section 37-13-11 - through 37-13-17 - [Repealed]

Repealed by Laws, 1982, Ex Sess, ch. 17, § 44, eff. 7/1/1984.
§ 37-13-11. [Codes, 1942, § 6216-02; Laws, 1953, Ex Sess, ch. 26, § 2; Laws, 1962, ch. 336; Laws. 1964, ch. 381, § 1]. § 37-13-13. [Codes, 1942, § 6216-02; Laws, 1953, Ex Sess, ch. 26, § 2; Laws, 1962, ch. 336; Laws, 1964, ch. 381, § 1]. § 37-13-15. [Codes, 1942, § 6216-21; Laws, 1958, ch. 294, §§ 1, 2]. § 37-13-17. [Codes, 1942, § 6216-02; Laws, 1953, Ex Sess, ch. 26, § 2; Laws, 1962, ch. 336; Laws, 1964, ch. 381, § 1].
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 13 - CURRICULUM; SCHOOL YEAR AND ATTENDANCE (§§ 37-13-1 — 37-13-213) › IN GENERAL (§§ 37-13-1 — 37-13-60.1) › Section 37-13-19 - Local school districts may allow course credit for completion of National Guard basic training to certain students

In addition to the curriculum otherwise required by law or the State Board of Education to be taught in the public schools of this state, the school board of a local school district may allow course credit to any high school student, who is a member of the National Guard and attends basic training camp during the summer between the end of the student's junior year and the start of the student's senior year of academic instruction. At the conclusion of the student's basic training, the commanding officer of the National Guard unit of which the student is a reserve member shall provide evidence of the student's completion of training to the local school district where the student is in attendance. Upon receipt of the evidence provided by the National Guard, the school district may award one (1) Carnegie unit of elective credit to the student. This elective credit may be applied along with the total number of Carnegie units required for the student to graduate.
Laws, 2012, ch. 344, § 1, eff. 7/1/2012.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 13 - CURRICULUM; SCHOOL YEAR AND ATTENDANCE (§§ 37-13-1 — 37-13-213) › IN GENERAL (§§ 37-13-1 — 37-13-60.1) › Section 37-13-20 - [Repealed]

Laws, 2005, ch. 388, § 1; Laws, 2006, ch. 400, § 1, eff. 6/30/2006.
Repealed by Laws, 2005, ch. 388, § 1, eff. 7/1/2011.
Laws, 2005, ch. 388, § 1; Laws, 2006, ch. 400, § 1, eff. 6/30/2006.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 13 - CURRICULUM; SCHOOL YEAR AND ATTENDANCE (§§ 37-13-1 — 37-13-213) › IN GENERAL (§§ 37-13-1 — 37-13-60.1) › Section 37-13-21 - Health education programs

The State Board of Health and the various county health departments are hereby authorized and empowered to establish and provide for health education programs in the public school districts of this state and to employ county health educators for such purpose. In order to effectuate such programs the county superintendents of education of counties in which such programs have been established, with the approval of the county board of education, and the board of trustees of the municipal separate school districts are authorized and empowered, in their discretion, to cooperate and join with the said State Board of Health and the county health departments in such program. For such purposes the said county superintendents of education, with the approval of the county board of education, are hereby authorized and empowered to expend such funds as may be necessary from the common school funds of the county, and the board of trustees of municipal separate school districts are hereby authorized and empowered to expend such funds as may be necessary from the maintenance funds of such districts for the purpose of defraying the expenses of such cooperative health education programs. Those students whose parents or guardians shall make written application to the proper authorities on the ground that such program is inconsistent with the tenets and practices of the known religious organization with which they are affiliated shall not be required to participate in the program.
The State Board of Health and various county health departments shall have the power and authority to enter into such agreements and joint programs with the said county superintendents of education and boards of trustees of municipal separate school districts as may be necessary, proper and desirable in carrying out the purposes of this section, and in establishing and carrying on health education programs in the public school districts of this state, and the said county superintendents of education, with the approval and consent of the county board of education, and the board of trustees of municipal separate school districts shall have the power and authority to enter into such agreements and joint programs with each other and with the State Board of Health and county health departments as may be necessary for such purpose.
Codes, 1942, § 6667.5; Laws, 1950, ch. 384, §§ 1, 2.
Amended by Laws, 2013, ch. 497, HB 369, 58, eff. 7/1/2013.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 13 - CURRICULUM; SCHOOL YEAR AND ATTENDANCE (§§ 37-13-1 — 37-13-213) › IN GENERAL (§§ 37-13-1 — 37-13-60.1) › Section 37-13-23 - through 37-13-39 - [Repealed]

Repealed by Laws, 1982, Ex Sess, ch. 17, § 44, eff. 7/1/1984.
§§ 37-13-23 through 37-13-33. [Codes, 1942, §§ 6679-6684; Laws, 1934, ch. 255]. § 37-13-35. [Codes, 1942, § 6684.5; Laws, 1950, ch. 370, §§ 1-4]. § 37-13-37. [Codes, 1942, § 10265-03; Laws, 1966, ch. 540, § 3]. § 37-13-39. [Codes, 1942, §§ 6685, 6686; Laws, 1938, ch. 166; Laws, 1970, ch. 387, § 1].
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 13 - CURRICULUM; SCHOOL YEAR AND ATTENDANCE (§§ 37-13-1 — 37-13-213) › IN GENERAL (§§ 37-13-1 — 37-13-60.1) › Section 37-13-41 - Reports by school superintendents as to type and amount of work performed in each grade

All principals and/or superintendents of public schools in all school districts in Mississippi shall report to their county superintendent of education upon forms prepared and sent to the county superintendent of education by the director of the division of instruction, giving the type and amount of work done in each grade of their respective school, with other information that may be desired by the director. The county superintendents of education shall compile this information on forms sent out by the director. This shall be made in duplicate, one (1) copy to be sent to the director, and the other filed as other public records are filed in the county superintendents' offices. This report shall be made to the director by the county superintendents of education not later than the first of June each year.
Codes, 1942, § 6687; Laws, 1938, ch. 166.
Amended by Laws, 2013, ch. 497, HB 369, 59, eff. 7/1/2013.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 13 - CURRICULUM; SCHOOL YEAR AND ATTENDANCE (§§ 37-13-1 — 37-13-213) › IN GENERAL (§§ 37-13-1 — 37-13-60.1) › Section 37-13-43 - through 37-13-51 - [Repealed]

Repealed by Laws, 1978, ch. 325, § 1, eff. 7/1/1978.
Laws 1973, ch. 453, §§ 1 to 5.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 13 - CURRICULUM; SCHOOL YEAR AND ATTENDANCE (§§ 37-13-1 — 37-13-213) › IN GENERAL (§§ 37-13-1 — 37-13-60.1) › Section 37-13-52 - through 37-13-57 - [Repealed]

Repealed by Laws, 1982, Ex Sess, ch. 17, § 44, eff. 7/1/1984.
Laws, 1976, ch. 362, §§ 1-6.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 13 - CURRICULUM; SCHOOL YEAR AND ATTENDANCE (§§ 37-13-1 — 37-13-213) › IN GENERAL (§§ 37-13-1 — 37-13-60.1) › Section 37-13-58 - Career education; duties of department of education; office of career education

(1)
The state department of education is hereby designated as the state agency responsible for the administration and supervision of the career education concept as an educational innovation in the State of Mississippi. It is the intent of the legislature that all funds made available to the State of Mississippi, for the purpose of enhancing career education, be administered by the state department of education.
(2)
Pursuant to the provisions of subsection (1) of this section, the state department of education is hereby authorized to establish an office of career education within the framework of the state department of education for the purpose of developing standards, procedures and criteria for the administration and supervision of a statewide program of career education in grades one (1) through twelve (12). The state department of education, through the office of career education, shall assume the further responsibility for promoting a statewide effort designed to prepare local school faculties and staffs to incorporate the career education concept into their local educational programs.
Laws, 1976, ch. 394, §§ 1, 2, eff. 4/29/1976.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 13 - CURRICULUM; SCHOOL YEAR AND ATTENDANCE (§§ 37-13-1 — 37-13-213) › IN GENERAL (§§ 37-13-1 — 37-13-60.1) › Section 37-13-59 - Career education; state coordinator; cooperation by state colleges and universities

Pursuant to the provisions of Section
37-13-58
, the state department of education is hereby authorized to provide for the services of a state coordinator of career education and such other professional and nonprofessional staff as may be needed and as funds available to the department will permit. It shall be the responsibility of the state coordinator of career education to coordinate efforts of the personnel of the state department of education, the state's colleges and universities, local public schools and other appropriate agencies to provide the services embraced by Sections
37-13-58
through
37-13-60
. The state department of education and the state coordinator of career education will be responsible for the development of teacher education courses, both at the graduate and undergraduate levels, designed to familiarize teachers and prospective teachers with the career education concept and its application to their roles as teachers and prospective teachers. The state colleges and universities will consult and cooperate with the state department of education and state coordinator of career education in the development of these courses and in the responsibilities under Sections
37-13-58
through
37-13-60
.
Laws, 1976, ch. 394, § 3, eff. 4/29/1976.