Republican lawmakers want to require Ohio school districts to publicly share their Pledge of Allegiance policies.
State Reps. Gail Pavliga, R-Portage County, and Tracy Richardson, R-Marysville County, presented House Bill 657 summer and testified in support of his bill Tuesday during a hearing of the Ohio House of Representatives’ Primary and Secondary Committee, calling it the Transparency Act.
“Many of you grew up reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in school and may be surprised to discover that not all Ohio schools and classrooms currently learn or recite the Pledge.” Richardson said. “Some parents are also unaware that their children are not being taught this crucial practice. Parents have a right to know.”
The bill would not require students to recite the Pledge of Allegiance and would only require school districts to post the policy on their websites.
“Every school district wouldn’t have to do much, these policies already exist and most schools already have a website.” – said Pawliga.
This is what the United States Supreme Court ruled in 1943 students are not required to recite the Pledge of Allegiance in public schools if it conflicts with their religious beliefs. This case came after Jehovah’s Witness students were expelled from a school in West Virginia for failing to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. At the time, the West Virginia Board of Education required public school students to salute the flag, and Jehovah’s Witnesses did not take the Pledge of Allegiance because it was contrary to their Biblical teachings on worship.
Learning the Pledge of Allegiance teaches students to respect the flag, Richardson said.
“Reciting it builds unity and nationalism, reaffirming our commitment to our values,” she said. “At a time when many seem polarized, this is a significant tradition that unites all Americans.”
Former teacher State Rep. Sean Patrick Brennan, D-Parma, said he was heartbroken when students didn’t participate in the Pledge Faithfulness.
“I don’t think it’s because of the religious exemption,” he said. “I think it was just apathy.”
he asked Pavliga and Richardson how school districts and parents can motivate students to want to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
“I think as we increase awareness of this issue, I think more parents will speak out more about their children and the school district.” – said Pawliga. “ANDand I think it will start and spark some discussions.
State Rep. Jodi Whitted, D-Madira, asked bill sponsors if they had received questions from parents who couldn’t find their school district’s policy on Pledge.
“No, it was something we talked about and we just felt like it was the right time to be able to show it.” – said Pawliga. “We are a little shocked that the school system could have had a policy in place but had no obligation to post it.”
If the bill were to become law, a school district that already has a Pledge of Allegiance policy posted on its website would already be in compliance with it, – said Pawliga.
The current General Assembly will end at the end of the month, which means any bills that are not passed will fall through and will have to be reintroduced at the next General Assembly.
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