Pledge of Allegiance Requirement

The State Board of Education voted to approve changes to Rule 10 (Accreditation).  These changes include a provision requiring recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance each school day.  The exact language of the revised rule states:

Each public school district shall require each such district’s schools to establish a period of time during the school day, when a majority of pupils is scheduled to be present, during which pupils will be led in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance in the presence of the flag of the United States of America, in grades kindergarten through twelve. Pupil participation in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance shall be voluntary. Pupils not participating in the recitation of the Pledge shall be permitted to silently stand or remain seated, but shall be required to respect the rights of those pupils electing to participate.

The revisions to Rule 10 are now awaiting approval by the Attorney General and, finally, the Governor.  The revised Rule 10 would be operative five days after the Governor signs and files it with the Office of the Secretary of State.

NOTE:  Since it is anticipated that both the Attorney General and Governor will sign off on the proposed language, it is important to note that the Pledge requirement would then be enforced for the balance of the 2012-13 school year and thereafter.