Pledge of Allegiance Mandate to Become Law

Schools will be required to offer an opportunity for students to say the Pledge of Allegiance each school day under legislation passed into law this week by the Senate. Additionally, schools will have to display a United States flag in every classroom.

The legislation, SB 637 sponsored by Sen. Roger Kahn (R-Saginaw) and HB 4934 sponsored by Rep. Kevin Cotter (R-Mt. Pleasant), passed the Senate with overwhelming support. The bills had previously passed the House with a similarly massive margin of support and are now headed to Governor Snyder for his signature.

HB 4934 requires that, beginning with the 2013-14 school year, the district is required to "ensure that an opportunity to recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States is offered each school day." Additionally, the bill mandates that districts additionally ensure that no student is compelled against his or her will to say the Pledge and that no student is subject to any penalty or bullying for choosing not to say the Pledge.

SB 637 requires that a district ensure that a United States flag be displayed in each "classroom or other instructional site in which students recite" the Pledge.