Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, October 20, 1995 TAG: 9510200065
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: A-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Should children in Virginia's schools be required to recite the Pledge of Allegiance at the beginning of each school day?
School board candidates in Western Virginia are almost evenly divided on the question.
Some say yes, noting that it as an issue of loyalty and respect for the country.
Others say no, arguing that patriotism cannot be mandated and that it would interfere with students' rights.
A bill requiring students to recite the pledge daily failed in this year's General Assembly.
But the House of Delegates passed a resolution encouraging that the pledge be used by schools at meetings and assemblies.
As part of a survey by The Roanoke Times, school board candidates were asked if they support a requirement for children to recite the pledge daily.
Vern Jordahl, a candidate in Roanoke County, believes that patriotism should be encouraged and fostered among schoolchildren.
"I believe that not only the Pledge of Allegiance should be said by every schoolchild on a regular basis, but also that the great American patriotic songs should be known and sung," Jordahl said.
But his two opponents in the Cave Spring District disagree on requiring the pledge.
"While students at the school my children attend do start the day by reciting the pledge, a regulation for this seems unnecessary," Carol White said. "We need to work on eliminating regulations, not creating more."
William Irvin said he opposes requirements but encourages the recital of the pledge. "I support less state mandates and more local choice for schools," he said.
In Pulaski County, Jeff Bain favors a law mandating the pledge. He said the pledge teaches the children responsibility and respect for their country.
"Each Pulaski County student is the recipient of over $60,000 in public funds for the K-12 years of their public education - money which is paid by all our citizens - and the pledge is a small way to honor the people of our nation who have given so much to them," Bain said.
But his opponent in the Massie District, Nathan Tuck, opposes such a requirement. "I do support and encourage that this be done as part of the educational process and not as some mandated requirement."
Neither candidate in the District F contest in Montgomery County believes students should be required to recite the pledge daily.
"In Montgomery County, we educate children from many different countries. They should not be required to pledge allegiance to our flag," James Klagge said. "Even among children of our own country, allegiance is best acquired by example and experience, not by legislation."
Richard Edwards sees no need to require it. "We don't need to impose patriotism. In Montgomery County, that's a given," he said.
In Bedford County, Stanley Butler supports such a law, but his opponent in District 7, Benny Shrader, opposes it.
"Pledge of Allegiance equals American heritage equals freedom equals no mandate," Shrader said.In the Snow Creek District in Franklin County, G. B. Washburn Jr. favors requiring the pledge. "If we do not raise our children to be loyal to our country, they will not be," he said.
His opponent, Terry Lovell, also believes that children should recite the pledge, but each school system should be permitted to decide whether to require it.
In Botetourt County, Michael Beahm, a candidate in the Valley District, opposes such a law. "An individual being forced to recite a pledge does not teach and can even create animosity," he said.
In Giles County, Mary-Paul "Widget" Shannon supports a mandated pledge because her father was an Air Force officer, and the flag has a special meaning for her because she lived overseas for several years.
" ... I am ashamed at how many boys do not know the pledge," Shannon said.
But David Sulzen, a candidate in Floyd County, doesn't think children should be required to say the pledge.
"I believe the Soviet Union used to require this. I do not believe it is appropriate to try to stuff patriotism down children's throats," Sulzen said. "We already have enough state and federal requirements."
Keywords:
POLITICS
by CNB