PHOENIX — Kids in Arizona may soon be required to recite the Pledge of Allegiance every day at school.
Rep. John Fillmore (R-Apache Junction) proposed a bill that would make the recitation of the pledge a daily requirement unless a parent informs the school that their child is not permitted to participate. The bill also would force schools to allow for at least a minute of each day for "quiet reflection and moral reasoning," The Associated Press reported.
Arizona schools must currently give time to students to say the pledge if they want to, but participation is not mandated.
The American Civil Liberties Union says Fillmore's plan is unconstitutional, the AP reported.
An ACLU spokesperson, citing West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette, said the Supreme Court ruled in 1943 that forcing students to recite the pledge is unconstitutional, KTAR reported.
TRENDING NOW:
- Aquaman's Momoa hangs with Steelers, Pirates at Penguins game
- Mr. Rogers' nephew remembers his iconic Uncle Fred, shares thoughts on new movie
- Man killed when pickup truck crashes into utility pole
- VIDEO: Attorney for Terrelle Pryor speaks out following stabbing, arrest
- DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts
Cox Media Group