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SDPB Radio Coverage of the South Dakota Legislature. See all coverage and find links to audio and video streams live from the Capitol at www.sdpb.org/statehouse

Bill Requiring Pledge of Allegiance Passes Committee

Students in South Dakota may soon say the pledge of allegiance each school day. A bill requiring the pledge passed a Senate committee Thursday.

 
House Bill 1150 requires public school districts to allow time to say the pledge of allegiance every day. Supporters, like Senator Larry Rhoden, say the pledge instills a sense of unity among students and teaches honor for our country.
 
“And I think that’s a good thing,” Rhoden says. “And I think in this day and age with the hustle, the bustle, the technology, I think that it’s even more important for our young people to be provided the time to quiet themselves and reflect on what’s important in saying the pledge.”
 
The bill doesn’t force everyone to say the pledge. Students who do not wish to participate may remain silent. There was no opponent testimony. Members of the Senate Education Committee passed the bill, and it now heads to the full Senate floor for further debate.