Section effective July 1, 2023.
(A) No later than January 1, 2023, every public school, to include state agency schools and charter schools, shall display the following depictions in a prominent place:
(1) the official motto of the United States, "In God We Trust";
(2) the official mottos of South Carolina, "Dum spiro spero" and "Animis opibusque parati", and their respective translations;
(3) an accurate representation of the United States flag; and
(4) an accurate representation of the South Carolina state flag.
The State Board of Education shall promulgate regulations specifying how the depictions shall be displayed.
(B) The head of each public school shall ensure that the depictions required in subsection (A) are displayed in the manner adopted by the State Board of Education and as directed by the State Superintendent of Education. Nothing in this section shall prohibit the solicitation or acceptance of funds donated to achieve its purpose.
(C) The provisions of this section also apply to any private school that receives any public funding.
HISTORY: 2022 Act No. 177 (S.969), Section 1, eff July 1, 2023.
Editor's Note
2022 Act No. 177, preamble and Section 4, provide as follows:
"Whereas, July 30, 2016, marked the 60th anniversary of 'In God We Trust' as the official motto of the United States; and
"Whereas, in 2011, by resolution of the United States House of Representatives, with the concurrence of the United States Senate, the United States Congress reaffirmed 'In God We Trust' as the official motto of the United States and supported and encouraged the public display of the national motto in all public buildings, public schools, and other governmental institutions; and
"Whereas, 'In God We Trust' appears over the south entrance to the United States Senate Chamber and above the Speaker's rostrum in the Chamber of the United States House of Representatives; and
"Whereas, the motto has been an integral part of the society of the United States since its founding and first appeared on U.S. coins in 1864; and
"Whereas, 'Dum spiro spero', which translates to 'While I breathe, I hope' is perhaps the most well known of South Carolina's two mottos and appears on the State Seal that was adopted in 1776; and
"Whereas, reflecting the character and beliefs of the citizens of South Carolina, 'Dum spiro spero' illustrates the inherent spirit of South Carolinians to overcome obstacles and face each day with the courage and determination to do what is just in the face of adversity; and
"Whereas, 'Animis opibusque parati', which translates to 'Prepared in Mind and Resources', is the other South Carolina state motto. It is especially fitting that this motto appear in state schools, as it reflects the central aim of South Carolina's education system. Now, therefore, [Text of Act.]"
"SECTION 4. The provisions of this act take effect July 1, 2023."
Structure South Carolina Code of Laws
Chapter 1 - General Provisions
Section 59-1-20. Purpose of South Carolina School Code.
Section 59-1-30. Construction.
Section 59-1-40. Scope of State system of public education.
Section 59-1-50. Educational achievement goals for high school graduates and students.
Section 59-1-110. "Private school" defined.
Section 59-1-120. "Public school" defined.
Section 59-1-130. "Teacher" defined.
Section 59-1-140. "Teacher aide" defined.
Section 59-1-160. "School district" defined.
Section 59-1-170. "State Board" defined.
Section 59-1-180. "State Educational Finance Commission" defined.
Section 59-1-190. "State Department" defined.
Section 59-1-200. "Scholastic year" defined.
Section 59-1-310. Superintendents of education may administer oaths and probate certain papers.
Section 59-1-320. Display of United States and State flags.
Section 59-1-325. Patriotic depictions in schools.
Section 59-1-330. Pledge to State flag.
Section 59-1-340. Meetings of boards of trustees and boards of education.
Section 59-1-350. Compensation of members of boards of trustees and boards of education.
Section 59-1-360. Audiovisual properties may be loaned.
Section 59-1-370. Closing of educational institutions on general election day.
Section 59-1-380. Mandatory tobacco and alternative nicotine product-free local school board policy.
Section 59-1-400. Sick leave for public school employees.
Section 59-1-405. Distribution of contraceptives on school grounds prohibited.
Section 59-1-410. "Teacher Recognition Day."
Section 59-1-425. Beginning and length of school term; make-up days; waiver; instructional days.
Section 59-1-435. Religious Viewpoints Antidiscrimination Act.
Section 59-1-441. Policy to permit student to deliver message.
Section 59-1-442. Policy to permit opening or closing message at school-sponsored athletic events.
Section 59-1-443. Schools shall provide minute of mandatory silence at beginning of each school day.
Section 59-1-445. Violations of mandatory test security; penalties; investigations.
Section 59-1-447. Regulations for mandatory test security procedures.
Section 59-1-450. Parent education programs.
Section 59-1-452. Public school employee cost savings program.
Section 59-1-453. Oversight Committee.
Section 59-1-454. Parental involvement program; parent/teacher conferences.
Section 59-1-455. Time for pledge of allegiance required.
Section 59-1-460. Excused school attendance for religious instruction.
Section 59-1-465. Youth patriotic societies; public school event addresses.
Section 59-1-470. Distribution of funds for deferred compensation.
Section 59-1-480. Lapsed funds; priority of use.
Section 59-1-490. Data use and governance policy.
Section 59-1-495. Committee to review Title 59 and related federal laws.
Section 59-1-510. Guidelines and regulations for recruiting and hiring staff in professional areas.