531 Policy: Pledge of Allegiance

1. PURPOSE
   
   The school board recognizes the need to display an appropriate United States flag and to provide instruction to students in the proper etiquette, display, and respect of the 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.
    
2. 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:
    
   1. By each individual classroom teacher or the teacher’s surrogate; or
       
   2. Over a school intercom system by a person designated by the school principal or other person having administrative control over the school.
       
3. EXCEPTIONS
   
   Anyone who does not wish to participate in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance for any personal reasons may elect not to do so. Students and school personnel must respect another person’s right to make that choice.
    
4. 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)
Minn. Stat. § 121A.11, Subd. 4 (Instruction)

Cross References:      None