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In a surprising turn of events, a Maine school district has reversed its stance following a legal challenge that prompted debate over the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance in classrooms. This development comes after a lawsuit was initiated by a father-and-son pair, alleging the district’s failure to provide high school students with the opportunity to engage in the daily pledge ritual.
According to a report by the Portland Press Herald, Christopher Hickey filed the lawsuit on behalf of his son, Clayton, a 10th-grade student. The suit contended that the Falmouth School Department in southern Maine was neglecting a long-standing policy and state mandate by not facilitating the daily recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance at the high school level, a practice that had been observed regularly in the district’s elementary and middle schools.
The lawsuit highlighted a two-year gap in the high school’s observance of this tradition, contrasting with the consistent practice in other schools within the district. This discrepancy raised questions about the adherence to district and state requirements.
In response, the school district’s leadership emphasized their openness to addressing parental concerns regarding district policies. They assured families that reciting the Pledge of Allegiance remains an option available to students at Falmouth High School, encouraging open communication on such matters.
The district’s policy mandates the presence of an American flag in every classroom, reinforcing the symbolic significance of the pledge. This requirement underlines the district’s commitment to providing students with the opportunity to participate in this patriotic practice if they choose to do so.
“At Falmouth High School, students are welcome to say the Pledge of Allegiance if they choose,” Falmouth Schools Superintendent Steve Nolan said in a statement Wednesday. “Now that this matter has been brought to our attention, we have taken steps to provide an opportunity during the school day for students who wish to say the Pledge of Allegiance to do so during a designated time.”
Statute §4010 states: “A school administrative unit shall allow every student enrolled in the school administrative unit the opportunity to recite the Pledge of Allegiance at some point during a school day in which students are required to attend. A school administrative unit may not require a student to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.”
The school’s policy says that an American flag will be flown on school grounds on school days in addition to having it visible in every classroom.
“Furthermore, an opportunity must be provided, during the school days for which students are required to attend, for students and staff to recite the Pledge of Allegiance,” the policy added.
The lawsuit alleges that the pledge was a regular occurrence in both the district’s elementary and middle schools, but not for students at the high school for the last two years. (Derek Davis/Portland Press Herald via Getty Images)
Hickey’s attorney, Jack Baldacci, wrote in a statement to the Press Herald that despite Nolan’s wish to handle the matter without legal action, they do not think the change would have been made without filing the suit.
“The district had ample time to correct this longstanding omission on its own and failed to do so,” Baldacci wrote. “We are glad the district is now complying, and we hope this marks the beginning of a renewed commitment to the robust civic education every student deserves.”
A teacher holds an American flag in a classroom. (iStock via Getty Images)
According to a 2024 survey conducted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, 70% of registered voters did not pass a general civics test, including questions which asked how many Supreme Court justices there are.
Baldacci did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
The lawsuit is ongoing.
The U.S. Department of Education did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.