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April 11, 2005
Pledge of Allegiance back at Logan High
Logan- Students at Logan High School will bring back an old tradition today when they stand and face the American flag, raise their hands to hearts and recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
Logan High Vice Principal Robert Henke last week distributed flags to teachers in anticipation of a policy that goes into effect this morning, requiring students there to recite the Pledge once a week.
Henke said the policy will do more than put the school in compliance with legislation passed in 2003 requiring Utah's elementary students to recite the pledge at the beginning of each day, and secondary students to do so once a week.
Cross posted at Political State Report
It continues:
"Besides that, I think that's an important part of school - learning patriotism and learning to honor and respect the flag and what it represents," Henke said.
Paul Puzey, curriculum coordinator for the Utah State Office of Education, says he frequently visits elementary and secondary schools throughout Utah, where he regularly sees students reciting the Pledge. Puzey said he doesn't know of any schools that aren't in compliance with the state law and he hasn't heard any complaints about the practice.
Logan High geography teacher Emily Monroe likes the idea of requiring the Pledge.
"It's a great way for kids to learn the respect that a lot of their grandparents and other people have for the flag that they had to fight for," Monroe said.
And Logan High math teacher Monica Chase says the practice of reciting the Pledge was something that she and her classmates did while growing up and without question.
Chase has a small American flag and a wall bracket for her classroom - as well as a notice, required to be placed in a conspicuous place, that states, "If you wish to be excused from reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, you must submit a written request from your parents or legal guardian."
Whither the ACLU? Perhaps they have just given up on Utah.
Posted by Jonathan at April 11, 2005 8:18 PM