This bill amends sections of the North Dakota Century Code to establish a requirement for public school students to recite the pledge of allegiance each morning and to provide immunity from liability for schools regarding this recitation. Specifically, it removes the previous authorization for schools to permit students to recite the pledge and instead mandates that students must recite it at the beginning of each school day. Additionally, the bill clarifies that students must be informed through written notice that they may be excused from reciting the pledge upon request from a parent or legal guardian.

Furthermore, the bill ensures that school officials, including the superintendent, school boards, and individual members, are immune from liability for any decisions related to the recitation of the pledge of allegiance. It also emphasizes that students must show respect during the recitation by standing at attention with their right hand over their heart, and males are required to remove any headdress unless it is for religious purposes. Overall, the bill aims to formalize the recitation of the pledge in public schools while providing legal protections for school officials.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 15.1-09-33, 15.1-09-33.5, 15.1-19-03.1