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House approves weekly, voluntary Pledge recitation in high schools after heated debate
Summary
After extended debate on patriotism, religious freedom and potential effects on refugee students, the House passed Senate Bill 105 to allow voluntary once‑a‑week Pledge of Allegiance recitation in high schools as part of flag instruction; supporters invoked civic instruction and personal stories, while opponents warned about stigma and urged broader civic education.
SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah House voted Feb. 10 to pass Senate Bill 105, which permits voluntary, once-a-week recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance in high schools as part of flag instruction. The bill passed the House with a recorded floor vote during the session.
Supporters framed the measure as a way to encourage civic instruction and respect for national symbols. Representative Farron, speaking in favor, told a Vietnam-war-era captivity story to illustrate the pledge's emotional and symbolic significance, urging colleagues to "give those children the opportunity" to recite the pledge in schools.
Opponents objected to perceived social pressure and potential harms for students who opt out. Representative Litback and Representative Biskupski, among others, warned that refugee or minority students who opt out could be marked as unpatriotic or singled out, and urged schools to pair any ritual with robust civic education about why students might decline participation.
Procedurally, the House moved previous question to close debate and then voted; the clerk recorded 63 yes votes and 4 no votes on the floor. Sponsors emphasized the recitation is voluntary and that the bill does not compel students to participate.
Next steps: The bill will be returned to the Senate for signature or further action consistent with legislative procedures.
