After a free speech organization retaliated against what it dubbed “mandatory patriotism,” a public school in Maryland was forced to stop requiring staff and students to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
Officials at Twin Ridge Elementary School in Mount Airy changed their minds about requiring the vow after learning more about the school’s salute policy. The school sent out an email to all staff members back in April to clarify that the Pledge of Allegiance was required.
The state’s code of education said that “all students and teachers are required ‘to stand and face the flag and while standing give an approved salute and recite in unison the pledge of allegiance.”
Not long after the email of explanation was received, the nonprofit organization dedicated to free speech, Foundation for Individual Rights.
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The group criticized the school for neglecting to mention that instructors and students have the option to withdraw from the pledge at any time.
“Your freedom to express yourself and your right not to express yourself are both guaranteed under the First Amendment. That includes abstaining from flag salutes. According to Stephanie Jablonsky, a senior program officer at FIRE, “mandatory patriotism is no patriotism at all.”
Mother Kathleen Champion of Maryland appeared on news to talk about the larger problem arising from patriotism and respect for the American flag, as well as why she was “not surprised” the school changed its direction.
