The State Duma approved in the first reading the mandatory display of the Russian flag in kindergartens

The State Duma approved in the first reading bill, which will oblige all educational institutions in Russia, including kindergartens and higher education institutions, to display the national flag. Currently, this requirement applies only to schools. If adopted, the law will come into force on September 1, 2024.

Amendments are proposed to be made to the law “On the State Flag of the Russian Federation”. The authors of the initiative were deputies and senators led by the chairman of the State Duma Committee on Education Olga Kazakova.

The explanatory note states that the Russian flag is “a symbol of national unity, the manifestation of patriotic feelings and belonging to the Russian people.” According to the authors of the bill, the use of the flag in the educational process is “an important element in the formation of spiritual and moral values” at all levels of education.

“Currently, the rule on hanging the flag is mandatory only in relation to schools. We are expanding the obligation to universities, colleges and kindergartens. That is, the norm is becoming complete, extending to all levels of education,” State Duma Deputy Sergei Kolunov, one of the co-authors of the initiative, told RIA Novosti.

In 2013, the State Duma approved presidential bill on the use of state symbols. He obliged the national flag to be hung on school buildings, as well as the anthem to be played before the first lessons and during ceremonial events dedicated to public holidays.

From September 1, 2022, the school week in Russian schools begins with the singing of the Russian anthem and the raising of the national flag. Also, patriotic lessons “Conversations about Important Things” have been introduced in schools, in which, in particular, the military operation in Ukraine is discussed.

Milena Kostereva