1. United States
2. S.C.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my concerns regarding Senate Bill 135, which proposes to amend Section 59-1-455 of the South Carolina Code of Laws to require all public school students to salute the United States flag and recite the Pledge of Allegiance daily. While I deeply respect the values embodied in the Pledge and the flag, I believe that mandating participation infringes upon individual freedoms and may have unintended consequences. Key Concerns Regarding S.B. 135: 1. Infringement on Individual Rights: The proposed amendment removes the current provision that allows students to opt out of reciting the Pledge without penalty. This change could compel students to participate against their personal beliefs or convictions, potentially violating their First Amendment rights. 2. Impact on Religious and Personal Beliefs: Some students may have religious or personal reasons for choosing not to participate in the Pledge. Mandating recitation without exceptions fails to accommodate these diverse perspectives and could lead to feelings of exclusion or discrimination. 3. Legal and Constitutional Implications: The United States Supreme Court, in West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette (1943), held that compelling students to salute the flag and recite the Pledge violates the First Amendment. Enacting S.B. 135 could result in legal challenges and potential conflicts with established constitutional precedents. 4. Educational Environment: Creating an inclusive and respectful educational environment requires acknowledging and honoring individual choices. Mandating participation in patriotic exercises without regard for personal beliefs may foster resentment and hinder the development of critical thinking and civic engagement among students. I respectfully urge you to consider these concerns and oppose S.B. 135 in its current form. Upholding the principles of freedom and individual rights is essential to fostering a diverse and inclusive society.