One North Dakota school board voted to reinstate the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance before its board meetings following intense backlash.
The school board in Fargo had voted to strike reciting the Pledge of Allegiance because the pledge goes against the board’s philosophy of inclusion due to its reference to “God,” making the pledge a “non-inclusionary act.” The decision, however, was met with a torrent of complaints.
Amid this fallout, the board held a special meeting Thursday reinstating the Pledge of Allegiance by an 8-1 vote.
‘Board members conceded the stress that ensued from their controversial decision was not worth the distraction as the school year begins.
“I hope you’ll forgive me, because I truly believe it is in the best interest of our schools to do so,” board member Greg Clark said, according to the Associated Press. “The disruptions and the threats must end so that we can have a successful start to our school year.”
Board Vice President Seth Holden, who made the original motion to cancel the pledge, said he is concerned the reversal champions the backlash the board had received.
“I’m also concerned about what might happen to this board in the future because we’re going to have to probably be prepared to take more heat than we normally do for decisions that we make,” Holden said. “There may be a perception of success.”
The lone vote against reinstating the Pledge of Allegiance came from Nyamal Dei, a Sudanese refugee who had received profanity-laced messages calling her a slave, racist, and Nazi for supporting the pledge’s ban.
“We won’t be rewarding our children or students in our district for acting in this way,” Dei said. “But know that this moment will pass. Let’s get back to the work that we are elected to do and that is to find a solution to our teacher shortages, mental health issues and academic achievement for our students.”
Fargo spokesman Gregg Schildberger reportedly noted that police are investigating reports of perceived threats made to at least three members of the board.
Gov. Doug Burgum (R-ND) touted new legislation in North Dakota that would require public schools and governing bodies to deliver the pledge without requiring the recitation of it. State Rep. Pat Heinert also suggested sanctions be levied against any boards or commissions that do not require the pledge.
* Article from: The Washington Examiner
