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By Tim Pugmire
Minnesota Public Radio
October 17, 2001
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A Twin Cities suburban school district is requiring each of its schools set time aside every day for students to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Officials in the Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan district described their new policy Wednesday as a show of patriotism after the September 11th terrorist attacks. But leaders of a local American Legion post had threatened to pull thousands of dollars in annual donations unless the school district required the pledge.
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"(It) is a great feeling that we are able to do such a great thing and stand up for our nation, especially at this time where we're at discomfort with the events that have happened. I'm just excited that it's our district that is able to start this whole thing," Bochman said.
The new policy requires schools in the state's fourth-largest school district to say the Pledge of Allegiance every school day. But participation is optional. A 1943 U.S. Supreme Court decision allows students to opt out of reciting the pledge without punishment. The new policy also requires the nearly 29,000 students to participate in activities to increase their understanding of the United States and the nation's heritage. District 196 Superintendent John Haro says he expects all students will want to show their patriotism.
"Our district has always been patriotic, but I think at a time when people have lost their lives, we're in war, I think there's a time to unify. Our district is one small part of America, but we're going to spread this to other districts in Minnesota, and that will spread to other states to have all students say the Pledge of Allegiance," says Haro.
The Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan school board began discussing the Pledge of Allegiance last month. But delays in enacting the policy angered leaders of the Apple Valley American Legion post, who threatened to cut off up to $100,000 in annual donations unless the district required students to recite the pledge. Superintendent Haro says the potential loss of the money did not influence his decision. Legion Post 1776 Commander Duane Glum says the pressure from his organization did make a difference and was totally appropriate.
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District officials implemented the Pledge of Allegiance requirement administratively. The school board is expected to officially adopt the new policy next week.
The Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan school district is seeking voter approval next month for a levy referendum that would raise $16.3 million each of the next six years. Several school board seats are also on the ballot. School board member Mike Roseen bristled at the suggestion that the pledge policy might be politically motivated.
"This has nothing to do with candidates. It has nothing to do with the levy. It has everything to do with the fact that we believe in America and this was the right thing to do at the right time, whether there was an election or not," said Roseen.
Minnesota is among 16 states without a law regarding the Pledge of Allegiance. The state Legislature defeated a bill last spring requiring the pledge in all Minnesota schools. Supporters say they'll push the issue again in the 2002 session.