WA Dems blamed for death of bill requiring schools teach 'history' of Pledge of Allegiance

OLYMPIA, Wash. (CITC) — A bill requiring Washington State students be taught the "meaning and history" of the Pledge of Allegiance died this month after failing to get Democratic support.

The legislation was introduced in January by three Senate Republicans. If passed, schools would have been required to provide such instruction by the 2025-26 academic year.

Additionally, schools would have been instructed to ensure all students who abstain from reciting the pledge daily "maintain a respectful silence."

The bill died last week after failing to receive approval in time to meet the deadline for advancing out of the Senate. State Sen. Jim McCune, R-Graham, blamed the lack of support from Democrats, who hold the majority in the chamber, for the demise.

"I believe it didn't get out of the Democratic caucus because of internal fighting against the flag itself and what the flag actually stands for," State Sen. McCune said in a video last week.

The Republican went on to lament that students won't receive instruction on the "beautiful history" of the Pledge of Allegiance.

READ MORE | Teaching students 'founding principles' of US important to most parents, survey shows

"There's a certain sector of people who really do not like this country anymore and they want to change it to a different type of country," State Sen. McCune said. "And this country, even though it has its problems over the years, it is a beautiful country."

In January, Eatonville Middle School student Elijah Whatley echoed the Republican's sentiments at a Senate committee hearing. He urged lawmakers to pass the bill, calling it "insane" to assume students understand the Pledge of Allegiance.

"How can you expect students to respect and embrace something they don't understand?" Whatley asked.

A 2022 poll conducted by RealClear Opinion Research found teaching students civic education is a priority for most parents. More than 70% of parents supported students learning "the principles underlying American politics, such as the history and ideas behind the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution," while 46.9% said their children feel "pride" when they see the American flag.

The most recent National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) report card on civics showed the average eighth grader's score in the subject has dropped two points. U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona claimed the results showed a need to provide students with "rich opportunities to learn about America’s history," as well as an understanding of "how our system of government works."

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