A new piece of legislation is looking to make the Pledge of Allegiance a staple of all public schools at a time when other educational institutions are abandoning the oath.
The bill, filed ahead of the Oklahoma state legislature's 2014 session, would require all public elementary schools in the state to recite the Pledge of Allegiance daily, the Associated Press reported. Additionally, the legislation would require every public school in the Sooner State to own and display a U.S. flag.
While the bill only requires public elementary schools to recite the Pledge, it does suggest the practice be extended to all schools throughout the state. There is, however, an exemption for students who choose not to take part in the recitation.
Filed by Oklahoma state Sen. Rob Standridge (R), the legislation is among several others pre-filed in December, many of which center around the state's schools and education.
The decision to require to students to recite the Pledge likely comes after several school districts nationwide decided to forego the anthem.
State Sen. Eddie Fields (R) filed a bill that would require the State Board of Education to adopt revisions to schools' curriculum that roll back the controversial Common Core Standards. Since many state's Departments of Education implemented the standards, many educators and parents have expressed dismay with the curriculums set forth.
The Common Core Standards are part of an initiative from the National Governors Association, which is chaired by Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin (R). Forty-five states have adopted the measures, though Fallin recently signed an executive order supporting the provisions in English and math.
Following much controversy at schools across the country regarding the display of religious symbols, especially around the holiday season, bills were also introduced in the state House of Representatives pertaining to such expressions. Two bills, one by Rep. Ken Walker (R) and another by Rep. Bobby Cleveland (R) would permit schools to display religious scenes or symbols. The displays, however, must include more than one religion, a religious or secular symbol and relate to a "traditional winter celebration."
The Republican-controlled legislature is currently out of session and returns Feb. 3 for its 2014 legislative session.