Broxson Files Pledge Of Allegiance In Schools Bill

January 14, 2016

Florida State Representative Doug Broxson has filed a bill relating to the Pledge of Allegiance.  This new legislation would require the notice of students’ right not to participate in the Pledge of Allegiance to be included in the student handbook or similar publication, rather than posted “in a conspicuous place” such as in a classroom

Recently, the Santa Rosa County Legislative Delegation was approached by area school board superintendents to craft legislation that would simplify the school requirement to comply with a Florida law that states, “Each student shall be informed by posting a notice in a conspicuous place that the student has the right not to participate in reciting the pledge.”  Additionally, upon researching the matter, it became clear that the statutes needed to be amended to comply with the 2006 Frazier v. Alexandre ruling from the U.S. District Court. the bill will also require unexcused students to show full respect to the flag during the Pledge of Allegiance.

“This is an issue that will affect every classroom across the state of Florida. I believe this statute needs clarification before more school districts begin to succumb to pressure from outside groups that do not want students to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. We have received input from superintendents, teachers, parents, and students; and all of them have implored us to clarify this statute,” Broxson said.

“As a proud veteran of the US Air Force, it is my honor to cosponsor a bill pertaining to the American Flag and Pledge of Allegiance.  I believe this bill will create better clarity for school board administrators to implement an existing policy in a more unified manner,” said Rep. Mike Hill.

“The Pledge of Allegiance is something every American should recite with pride.  This good bill will resolve the current controversy in Santa Rosa County and remove the signs currently in classrooms that state students do not have to say the Pledge of Allegiance,” added Sen. Greg Evers.

Comments

4 Responses to “Broxson Files Pledge Of Allegiance In Schools Bill”

  1. 429SCJ on January 15th, 2016 6:20 am

    If you do not love America enough to pledge her flag, then you should ask yourself what you are doing here.

    This is a Nation, not a social club for economic refugees and heathens.

  2. Dan on January 14th, 2016 11:16 pm

    I think you should say-it before school starts and when the bell rings to dismiss for the day. I also think you should say grace at lunch and any other organized gathering during the day where food is being served.

  3. Hunter on January 14th, 2016 7:46 am

    Chris: The US Supreme Court ruled in 1943 that students cannot be forced to say the Pledge of Allegiance by ruling of West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette, 319 U.S. 624 (1943).
    Somebody in Santa Rosa County this past year decided to place a notice on the walls of every classroom informing the students of this legal right. But it has become perceived by many as a sneaky way to get students to not say the Pledge by outside groups. So now they’re trying to just remove the signs from the walls so that it’s not so ‘in your face’ and just put the notice in student handbooks instead. But regardless of one’s reason for not saying the Pledge, be it religion, preference, culture, whatever, if you choose not to say it that’s fine, but you must still be respectful during the Pledge and not make a scene with rude outbursts and heckling and so forth.

  4. chris in brandon on January 14th, 2016 6:10 am

    I’m confused. Does this bill still allow students not to participate in the pledge or does it force them to participate?

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News