School Policy: Stand for National Anthem

At our February School Board meeting on Tuesday, February 13, 2018, I was honored that the School Board unanimously approved my policy recommendation to school board policy 3.60 – ‘FLAG DISPLAY AND PLEDGE’, to be revised to include the additional language in Florida Statute 1003.44 which requires that students and the public stand when our United States National Anthem is played, and to add in policy that the Pledge of Allegiance to be recited at the beginning of the day in each of our public elementary, middle, and high school in our district.

During the January 9^th, 2018, School Board Public Hearing we approved an update of policy 3.60 – ‘FLAG DISPLAY AND PLEDGE’.  My request simply follows the expectation and daily practice already in our school district and that is already in Florida Statute.  We have a most respectful community and this change simply makes it clear to our students, staff, and public, our policy on the matter.

Citrus County Schools is the first Purple Heart School District in the nation and we strongly support and foster pride in our nation and our veterans. (CLICK HERE to Read blog on Dedication of School District’s Purple Heart Wall of Fallen Heroes.)

The revised policy 3.60 – ‘FLAG DISPLAY, PLEDGE AND NATIONAL ANTHEM’ will receive its final required vote after the required 90-day period, at a School Board Public Hearing on April 10, 2018, where I expect it to pass again unanimously.

The revised policy will read: (Underline is newly added language.)

FLAG DISPLAY, PLEDGE AND NATIONAL 3.60

1. The Pledge of Allegiance to the flag shall be recited at the beginning of each school day in elementary, middle, and high schools.
2. Pursuant to Florida Statute § 1003.44, the Board requires all schools in the District to include programs of a patriotic nature to encourage greater respect for the government of the United States and its National Anthem and flag, subject always to other existing pertinent laws of the United States or of the state. Additionally, when the National Anthem is played, students and all civilians shall stand at attention, men removing the headdress, except when such headdress is worn for religious purposes. The Pledge of Allegiance to the flag, “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all,” shall be rendered by students standing with the right hand over the heart. The Pledge of Allegiance to the flag shall be recited at the beginning of the day in each public elementary, middle, and high school in our district. Students will show full respect to the flag during the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance, by standing at attention and males removing any headdress, except when such headdress is worn for religious purposes, unless excused by written request of the student’s parent/legal guardian. The Code of Student Conduct that is distributed to all students shall contain written notification that the student has the right not to participate in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. The United States flag and the official flag of Florida shall be displayed appropriately during the school year. Flags shall be displayed in accordance with state statute.
4. Each classroom and auditorium shall display the United States flag.

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