PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

All public schools in Smithfield shall commence each day with the Pledge of Allegiance, as established in 4 U.S.C. § 4 and required by Rhode Island General Law § 16-22-11. Alternatively, the Pledge may be scheduled for an advisory or other appropriate time of the day to make this exercise more meaningful.

During the recitation of the Pledge, students shall stand and recite the Pledge while facing the flag with their right hands over their hearts or in an appropriate salute if in uniform.

No school official shall compel a student to recite the Pledge if he/she or his/her parent or legal guardian objects on religious, philosophical, or other grounds to participating in this exercise. Students who are exempt from reciting the Pledge shall quietly stand or sit at their desks while others recite the Pledge and shall neither disrupt nor distract those who are reciting the Pledge.

School officials shall make appropriate accommodations for students who are unable to comply with the procedure described herein due to a disability.

LEGAL REFERENCES: 4 U.S.C. § 4 and RI Gen L § 16-22-11

ADOPTED: October 19, 2020