SUPTS. MEMO NO. 107
August 3, 2001
INFORMATIONAL
| TO: | Division Superintendents |
| FROM: | Jo Lynne DeMary
Superintendent of Public Instruction |
| SUBJECT: | Guidelines for the
Recitation of the Pledge
of Allegiance |
This memorandum provides information regarding the revision of the Board of Education Guidelines for the Recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.
Section 22.1-202(B) of the Code of Virginia requires the Board of Education, in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General, to develop guidelines on constitutional rights and restrictions relating to the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag in Virginia public schools.
The 2001 General Assembly adopted legislation (SB 1331) requiring that all students learn the Pledge of Allegiance and that each school board require the daily recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. As a result, the guidelines for the Pledge of Allegiance, developed by the board in 1996 and amended in 1998, were updated and adopted at the July 26, 2001, meeting of the Board of Education.
The guidelines include provisions that address the requirements of the Code of Virginia, the constitutionality of learning and reciting the Pledge, the appropriate etiquette and conventions for respecting the dignity and display of the American flag, and relevant state and federal constitutional concerns (i.e., freedom of speech and religion). A copy of the guidelines is attached.
Please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Cynthia
Cave, director of policy
(mailto: ccave@mail.vak12ed.edu),
at (804) 225-2092 if you need additional information.
JLD/DAC/cjb
Attachment