The PLEDGE Act requires all public elementary and secondary schools in Washington, D.C. to display the American flag in every classroom during the school day and establishes mandatory patriotic observances for students. Specifically, the bill mandates that students recite the Pledge of Allegiance each morning while standing with their right hand over their heart, and requires all students and staff to stand at attention when the national anthem is played. The legislation includes protections for student rights, allowing parents to request in writing that their children be excused from participating in the Pledge, and it requires schools to inform students of this opt-out option through student handbooks or similar publications. The bill also prohibits students from making disruptive displays during the Pledge and requires schools to provide reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. The bill does not specify any funding allocations or implementation timeline beyond the standard legislative process.
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