Ohio bill would require schools to publicly disclose Pledge of Allegiance policies

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Ohio K-12 schools would be required to publicly disclose their Pledge of Allegiance policies under a recently introduced bill. 

Under Ohio’s current law, local boards of education must adopt a policy specifying if its schools recite the Pledge of Allegiance, and if so, how and when. The pledge is not a required part of the school day; however, boards of education cannot deny teachers “reasonable periods of time” for reciting the pledge. Ohio law also specifies teachers cannot force students to participate.

The Transparency in Pledge of Allegiance Act, or House Bill 657, was introduced in the Ohio House in August and would slightly tweak the state's current law. The bill, sponsored by Reps. Gail Pavliga (R-Atwater) and Tracy Richardson (R-Marysville), would add the requirement that each district make its policy publicly available and post the district's policy on its website if it has one.

Richardson said the pledge “reflects our shared commitment to what it means to be American” and “unites” the country, adding that she wants parents to be aware of schools’ policies.

“We need to ensure we meet Ohioans' expectations when it comes to openness and schools are no different,” Richardson said. “As a veteran who believes and understands the significance of our flag and the pledge and the fact that I believe in the unity that it symbolizes, I want to keep parents informed, empowering them to engage with their schools about this important issue.”

The Supreme Court ruled in West Virginia v. Barnette in 1943 that public school students cannot be forced to salute and pledge allegiance to the U.S. flag. 

In 46 states, some requirement that the pledge be recited in schools exists. These requirements typically state schools must set aside time for the pledge, according to Freedom Forum, which describes itself as a nonpartisan foundation dedicated to fostering First Amendment rights. In 34 states, there are stated exemptions or requirements that schools remind students that they cannot be forced to say the pledge.

The Transparency in Pledge of Allegiance Act has not yet been assigned to a committee. Richardson said she is hopeful the bill will pass out of the House by the end of the year.