BISMARCK, N.D. (KFGO/KVRR) — North Dakota lawmakers are looking at a Pledge of Allegiance bill that was heavily amended before passing the House.
The bill originally required schools to have students recite the pledge unless they received written permission from a parent or guardian. The bill now says schools are required to give students the opportunity to recite the pledge.
The amended bill also removes a segment of the bill that offers school districts immunity from lawsuits in regards to the pledge.
“The intent of this bill is simply to encourage reverence for the flag as well as to encourage patriotism for the country we live in,” said Rep. Anna Novak (R-Hazen). “I don’t believe that there are many opportunities in a child’s day for either. I recognize that no matter what we do here in the legislature, or in public schools, we cannot mandate patriotism. But I believe we do have a responsibility to encourage it.”
A committee gave the bill a Do-Pass recommendation.
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