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Subcommittee pauses and carries over bill that would require standing and saluting during pledge
Summary
Sponsor outlined SB135, which would direct schools to require students to stand and salute during the daily Pledge of Allegiance, but the subcommittee agreed to carry the bill to a later meeting for further testimony and consideration.
Sen. Reichenbach, sponsor of S.B.135, briefly described the bill's genesis and goals to a South Carolina Senate Education subcommittee before members agreed to carry the measure for a later meeting.
Reichenbach told the panel the bill grew from a request by Florence School District officials who were surprised the state lacks a rule stating that students must stand and salute during the daily Pledge of Allegiance. He said the proposal was developed in consultation with the state superintendent's office, local superintendents and teachers' association representatives and that the bill attempts to balance a call for uniform practice with respect for students' rights of free exercise and free speech.
Because committee members and additional witnesses were present and other committees were starting, the chairman asked whether members would carry the item to another time to allow fuller testimony and consideration. Members agreed by motion and second to reschedule the bill; the meeting record shows the item was carried over and will be presented again at a later date for additional testimony and an amendment discussion.
No formal vote on the bill's substance occurred at this session. The sponsor indicated he is willing to appear at a later meeting for additional discussion of an amendment the subcommittee would need to consider.
