Standing up, out of respect, during the Pledge of Allegiance should be mandated for K-12 students.
Within the past couple of years, I have seen a significant difference in the way students behave during the Pledge of Allegiance in schools. I understand that mandating students to say the pledge may interfere with one’s values or religious beliefs. Therefore, I recommend that local school districts put a policy in place that allows students the choice of whether or not to participate in saying the pledge, but mandates that every student stands up.
While attending Fort Vancouver High School as a senior in 2013, I noticed more than half of the class was not reciting nor standing during the pledge, but, in fact, talking amongst their fellow classmates. It concerns me that students have either forgotten the meaning of it, or choose not to participate.
With a policy in place and the support of teachers and staff, I believe the Pledge of Allegiance can regain its significant meaning.
