MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1998 Regular Session

To: Education

By: Senator(s) Burton (By Request)

Senate Bill 2964

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 37-13-7, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE GUIDELINES FOR LOCAL SCHOOL BOARDS REGARDING THE PLEDGES OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE UNITED STATES AND MISSISSIPPI FLAGS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES. 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. Section 37-13-7, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

37-13-7. (1) The school boards of the public schools of this state shall suggest that the teachers and students under their control repeat the oaths of allegiance to the flags of the United States of America and the State of Mississippi and salute them every day. Saluting will be defined as standing, facing the flag, and putting your right hand over your heart. This will be accomplished through the reading of the pledges by a volunteer preceding the daily announcements, such oath of allegiance being as follows:

"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

(2) The official pledge of the State of Mississippi shall read as follows:

"I salute the flag of Mississippi and the sovereign state for which it stands with pride in her history and achievements and with confidence in her future under the guidance of Almighty God."

The Pledge of Allegiance to the Mississippi flag shall be taught in the public schools of this state, along with the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States flag.

(3) Participation in pledging to and saluting to the flags is strongly encouraged for all students and faculty but not compulsory. Those who do not wish to pledge and salute the flags must sit quietly and not create a disturbance. Those who do create a disturbance will be dealt with under that district's guidelines for those who misbehave in class.

(4) The implementation of this act is the responsibility of the local school district.

(5) The Mississippi Department of Education shall be responsible for distributing copies of this act to all school districts within the state.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 1998.