General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Should students be required to recite the Pledge of Allegiance & hold hand over heart? [View all]In Florida, as I understand it, the student can be required to stand during the Pledge but cannot be required to say it.
True story: during my youngest's junior year in HS, the principal had a patriotism push. The well-meaning but really tone deaf TV production students produced a "stand and say the Pledge" video that acted out scenarios where kids were bullied and shamed if they didn't. This during a highly publicized "no bullying" campaign.
Son was horrified by the video and from that moment, refused to stand for the pledge. SO, who works at that school, and I supported his stance. SO got complaints from a few teachers but most just let him be. Once SO explained why son was doing this, they left him alone too.
Forced patriotism is not patriotism.