Legislators are proposing placing photos of former Presidents George Washington and Abraham Lincoln in all elementary classrooms. (Photos courtesy of Library of Congress)
Two military veterans in the Legislature introduced bills Thursday that would require elementary students in Florida to take their classes with former presidents George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.
The bills, HB 371 and SB 420 would require portraits of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln to be hung in a “conspicuous place” in all K-5 classrooms and in social studies classrooms for grades 6-12.
The portraits to be used would be determined by the state Department of Education, which would also “make them available to each school district,” per the bill text. The measure would go into effect July 1, 2026, if passed.
The initiative was introduced by Sen. Danny Burgess, a veteran of the U.S. Army Reserve and Republican from Zephyrhills, and Rep. John Snyder, a Marine Corps veteran and Republican from Stuart.
“For years, Florida’s classrooms proudly displayed portraits of George Washington, our first president, and Abraham Lincoln, our 16th president,” Burgess, chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee on Pre-K-12 Education, said in a news release. “These portraits weren’t just on display to echo lessons to our students; they served as a symbol of the foundation of America and our democracy.”
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The lawmakers cite the nation’s 250th birthday on July 4, 2026, “to restore a proud tradition that reminds students of the nation’s history, the principles it stands for, and the vision the founders set in motion.”
Burgess in particular cited a trip he took during the summer to “a historic classroom where portraits of Presidents Washington and Lincoln still hung on the wall.”
The portraits would be meant to keep the presidents and their accomplishments in the forefront of student development.
If Washington could fight for independence and Lincoln could unite a post-Civil War nation, “then our students can overcome the trials and setbacks they face as they grow into their full potential,” Snyder said in a prepared statement.
“As much as we hope to build a bright future for Florida students, that’s only possible if our students have the foundation of lessons learned from generations past,” Snyder continued. “Presidents Washington and Lincoln are shining examples of servant-leadership, grit, determination, and resolve in the face [of] adversity.”
Last month, Rep. Tom Fabricio introduced a bill that would require teachers to take an oath to the Constitution and swear to be nonpartisan. That bill, HB 147, was referred to two House committees.
Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration is in the process of installing statues of founding fathers in Florida counties named after the historical figures in advance of the 250th anniversary. He kicked off the initiative with a statue of Washington in the Capitol and has placed statues of Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin in the counties named in their honor.
Washington, Hamilton, Madison, and Monroe counties await statues.
In Louisiana in June, a federal appellate court rejected a state mandate to include the Ten Commandments in every classroom.
The 2026 legislative session is slated to start Jan. 13.