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Fairview council reopens pledge debate but takes no formal action
Summary
Councilors discussed whether to continue reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and which wording to use; opinions ranged from keeping the current version to omitting or using the pre‑1953 wording. No ordinance or policy change was made.
Councilors spent part of a Feb. 19 work session discussing whether the Pledge of Allegiance should be recited at meetings and, if so, which wording should be used. The item was framed as a conversation with no expected decision.
Councilors described a range of views: some supported keeping the pledge as currently recited, others said they would opt out of saying the phrase “under God,” and some suggested using the pre‑1953 wording that omits the phrase. Several councilors said they were not inclined to make the debate a headline issue for the city and preferred to leave the practice unchanged; others said an open discussion was appropriate. One councilor recalled an earlier episode in the city when the pledge’s removal drew media attention and was later reversed.
After discussion the council took no formal vote and did not adopt a new policy. The pledge was recited at roll call later in the meeting. Staff did not propose language changes or a formal ordinance during the session.
