The state's 4 million public school students would be required to pledge allegiance to the U.S. and Texas flags and observe a minute of silence each school day under a bill the House tentatively approved Monday.The minute of silence would allow the students to reflect, pray, meditate or engage in any other silent activities, according to the bill, which passed the Senate earlier.
Students not wishing to recite the pledges would be excused with written permission from a parent or guardian.
There was little debate on the measure.
I suppose, whether "under God" will be part of the daily Pledge of Allegiance will depend on the ruling by the Supreme Court as to whether such is unconstitutional. What surprises me most about this story is that I was under the impression that saying the Pledge of Allegiance was already required in all of our schools. As one of the state legislators, Rep. Dan Branch, R-Dallas, said "It sets up a tone of seriousness that I think will make our schools and institutions more reflective and more reverent."
attribution: Dallas Morning News
Posted by Tiger at May 6, 2003 06:01 PM | TrackBack