The South Dakota House agrees with a measure requiring public school students to recite the Pledge of Allegiance every day. Republican State Representative Hal Wick says reciting the Pledge displays patriotism that honors those who serve our country. He believes this legislation accepts all the state’s residents.
"We put together a bill that would require that the time be taken every day, to be able to say the Pledge. And if you read it, it also leaves time, or leaves the ability, of the student or person that doesn’t want to say the pledge doesn’t have to. They just have to be respectful of those that are," Representative Wick says.
Some lawmakers question if this bill removes local control. House Bill 1150 passed the House unanimously and it goes next to the Senate.