SB 1238 - This act requires teachers of American history at public schools and charter schools to provide instruction on the positive impacts of religion on American history. The act lists certain historical accounts that shall be included in such instruction, including the organization of the pilgrims as a church; the religious background of the signers of the Declaration of Independence; George Washington's direction regarding chaplains in the army; Benjamin Franklin's appeal for prayer at the constitutional convention; the influence of religion on the United States Constitution; the religious origins of the concept of the separation of church and state; the role of the Ten Commandments in shaping American law; the history of the national motto "In God We Trust"; and other historical accounts specified in the act. Instructors at public institutions of higher education may also provide such instruction, which may include the same historical accounts. OLIVIA SHANNON

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Nick Schroer

Missouri bill requires public schools teach positive religious influences on American history, raising curriculum balance and constitutional separation-of-church-state questions.

Hearing Conducted S Education Committee

Legislative bill overview

SB 1238 would require Missouri schools to include instruction on the positive impacts of religion on American history in their curricula. The bill mandates that educational materials address religious influences on the nation's founding, development, and cultural institutions without specifying particular religious traditions or perspectives.

Why is this important

This legislation directly affects what public school students learn about American history and the role of faith communities in shaping the nation. It raises questions about curriculum standards, teacher training requirements, and how schools balance religious content in secular educational settings while serving students of diverse faith backgrounds and none.

Potential points of contention

Curriculum balance concerns: Critics worry the bill emphasizes "positive impacts" without equivalent treatment of negative historical consequences involving religion (religious persecution, slavery justification, sectarian conflict)

Implementation ambiguity: The bill lacks specifics on which religions receive coverage, teaching standards, and how districts determine what constitutes "positive impacts," potentially creating inconsistent instruction across schools

Establishment Clause questions: Legal scholars may debate whether mandating religious instruction content in public schools crosses constitutional lines separating church and state, even if framed academically