Designating an Existing Memorial as the “National Memorial to Fallen Educators” (S. 167)

What is S. 167?

(Updated February 16, 2019)

This bill was enacted on April 30, 2018

This bill would designate an existing memorial at the National Teachers Hall of Fame in Emporia, Kansas as the “National Memorial to Fallen Educators”. It would not be considered a part of the National Park System, and this designation would not require or allow federal funds to be expended in relation to it for any purpose.

The memorial was built and dedicated in June 2014 and lists the names of educators since 1764 who have lost their lives while working with students.

Argument in favor

Honoring fallen educators by designating an existing memorial at the National Teacher Hall of Fame as the “National Memorial to Fallen Educators” without expense to the taxpayer is a simple but meaningful gesture.

Argument opposed

The federal government should spend money building a new memorial with taxpayer funds that’s dedicated to fallen educators. Alternatively, the memorial shouldn’t be designated as the national memorial.

Impact

The National Teachers Hall of Fame's memorial to fallen educators.

Cost of S. 167

The CBO estimates that enacting this bill would have no cost to the federal government.

Additional Info

In-Depth: Sponsoring Sen. Jerry Moran (R-KS) introduced this bill to designate a memorial at Emporia State University in Emporia, Kansas as the National Memorial to Fallen Educators:

“When someone asks the question: ‘other than your family, name a person has made a difference in your life?’ the answer has never been my senator or my congressman. More often the response is a teacher. Tragically, far too many educators have lost their lives in the line of their professional duty either at the hands of students or while protecting their students from adults perpetrating violent acts. As a nation, we should recognize together the incredible sacrifices they each made because of their dedication to educating, caring for, protecting, and changing the lives of young Americans.”

This legislation passed the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and the Senate as a whole on voice votes, and has the support of four bipartisan cosponsors including three Democrats and one Republican.

Media:

• Sponsoring Sen. Jerry Moran (R-KS) Press Release
  
• CBO Cost Estimate
  
• Republican Policy Committee