Policy 531 - The Pledge of Allegiance

I. PURPOSE

The school board recognizes the need to provide instruction in the proper etiquette, display, and respect of the United States flag. The purpose of this policy is to provide for recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance and instruction in school to help further that end.

II. GENERAL STATEMENT OF POLICY

Students in this school district shall recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America one or more times each week. The recitation shall be conducted:

A. By each individual classroom teacher or the teacher’s surrogate; or

B. Over a school intercom system by a person designated by the school principal or other person having administrative control over the school.

III. EXCEPTIONS

Any student or teacher may decline to participate in recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. Students must respect the choice to not recite the pledge.

IV. INSTRUCTION

Students will be instructed in the proper etiquette toward, correct display of, and respect for the flag and in patriotic exercises.

Legal References:

• Minn. Stat. §121A.11, Subd. 3 (Pledge of Allegiance)

Adopted: November 10, 2003
Revised: September 1, 2015
Reviewed: February 21, 2017
Reviewed: January 7, 2020
Reviewed: July 19, 2022