525 Policy: The Pledge of Allegiance
525 Policy: The Pledge of Allegiance
I. PURPOSE
The school board recognizes the need to display an appropriate United States flag and 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 in school to help further that end.
II. GENERAL STATEMENT OF POLICY
Students in Richfield Public Schools 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
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.
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)
Minn. Stat. §121A.11, Subd. 4 (Instruction)
RATIFIED BY THE BOARD OF EDUCATION: June 24, 2003
REVISED BY THE BOARD OF EDUCATION: September 4, 2007; September 3, 2024
REVIEWED AND REAFFIRMED BY THE BOARD OF EDUCATION: September 15, 2008; February 20, 2018