By: Jessica Cihacek
jcihacek@kcautv.com
It's back to school for kids in Ponca. And each classroom, K-12, there and everywhere in Nebraska, will soon be needing a flag and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance
You see, the Nebraska Board of Education recently voted for schools to set aside time each day, where students and faculty will Pledge their Allegiance to Old Glory.
If the governor and state attorney's office approve the requirement, this will be the norm for students. Unless there's a conflict with his or her religion and beliefs.
Nevertheless, it's a norm, many students we spoke to don't seem to have a problem with.
Hannah Albrecht, a Sophomore at Ponca High, says, "I mean, we've already done it in elementary. Everyone has it memorized, and I think we should honor our country for people who fight for us as well."
While some schools seem to be on-board. The American Civil Liberties Union of Nebraska is not.
They sent us this statement:
"The law is clear—no teacher or student may be forced to participate in the pledge. We recognize the new rule in Nebraska allows individuals to keep opting out, but it puts more pressure on those who may not be able to say the pledge due to their religion or beliefs."
Religious beliefs aside, Ponca's superintendent believes most of her students have a very strong sense of patriotism, and that the change, isn't really a change at all.
Joan Reznicek, says, "And that's why I don't think it'll be any kind of a problem because…that's just what we do!"
