Senate Passes McIlhinney Military Uniforms Legislation

HARRISBURG – The Senate approved legislation by a vote of 49-1 today that would prohibit public school officials from discriminating against members of the Armed Forces, according to Sen. Chuck McIlhinney (R-Bucks and Montgomery).

Senate Bill 206 would prohibit any principal, superintendent or school official from denying any member of the military entry to school facilities because he or she is wearing a military uniform. Military members would still be expected to comply with a school’s visitor policy, but they could not be denied access because of their uniforms, McIlhinney said.

The legislation stemmed from several incidents in which military members visiting friends and former teachers were denied access to school grounds due to their military uniforms. McIlhinney’s bill would ensure that no school official could impose restrictions on wearing military uniforms on school property.

"The members of our Armed Forces have sacrificed a great deal to earn the right to wear those military uniforms, and we should not allow a select few school officials to make some of the finest and bravest members of our community feel like second-class citizens," McIlhinney said. "I am pleased that the Senate has taken action to end this unfair discrimination and allow our men and women serving in the Armed Forces to proudly display their uniforms when they stop by to visit friends and former teachers."

Several members of Semper Fi Families, an organization that offers guidance and support to families of those serving in the military, joined McIlhinney in Harrisburg for today’s vote.

Senate Bill 206 will now go to the House of Representatives for consideration.

CONTACT:

Heather Cevasco
(215) 489-5000