House bill would make morning Pledge of Allegiance mandatory for all public schools

BISMARCK, N.D. — A bill in the North Dakota legislature would require public schools to hold the Pledge of Allegiance each morning.

Currently, the decision to hold a morning pledge is up to individual school boards.

HB 1222 would take the decision from school boards and make it a requirement of all public schools.

It would also protect schools, faculty, school and governing boards, and individual board members from any liability in lawsuits over the pledge.

Students can opt out of saying the pledge, but would need a written note from a parent or legal guardian.

District 33 Representative Anna Novak, who sponsored the bill, says it is meant to be an opportunity to encourage patriotism in young people.

“I do believe that patriotism isn’t necessarily at an all-time high right now, and we can certainly give our kids a nudge in that direction of encouraging patriotism. And that’s what the bill is all about,” Novak said.

KVRR also asked Fargo Public Schools about the bill. While they declined to do an interview, they did say that they are monitoring the bill.