Promoting American Patriotism In Our Schools Act

Key Points

• The bill would require all public schools receiving federal funds to start every school day with the Pledge of Allegiance. Students, teachers, and staff would all be expected to recite it in the exact form set out in federal law.
• Every classroom and gymnasium in covered schools must prominently display an American flag, visible to all occupants during the school day. Schools would also need to add age-appropriate flag education into their civics or history curriculum at every grade level.
• The bill includes a protection allowing any individual to opt out of reciting the Pledge for religious or personal reasons. No one can be punished, discriminated against, or face retaliation for choosing not to participate.
• School districts must certify in writing every year by October 1 that they comply with these requirements. States must report noncompliant districts to the Secretary of Education by November 1, and the Secretary can enforce compliance through rules or orders — potentially putting federal funding at risk.
• The new requirements would take effect 180 days after the bill is signed into law and apply to school years beginning on or after that date, giving schools roughly six months to prepare.