PLEDGE OR PAY

Alabama Schools Could Lose Millions for Skipping Daily Pledge of Allegiance and Prayer

The proposal would deprive schools of 25% of state funding if they do not start the day with the pledge and a prayer.

Alabama lawmakers are weighing a new rule that could require schools to recite the Pledge of Allegiance and a Judeo-Christian prayer at the beginning of the day—or forfeit state funding. The proposal, known as HB321, could end up on a ballot in a future election if House lawmakers approve it, AL.com reported. The legislation would not require students to recite the pledge and prayer, but schools that do not comply could lose 25% of their annual state funding, which for some administrations amount to millions. StateRep. Reed Ingram defended the legislation, saying, “It’s just ethics and the basics of what our country is built on.” However, critics like Rep. Marilyn Lands worry the bill prioritizes a specific religion. Lands also disapproved of extreme funding cuts for non-compliance, saying, “My biggest concern is the punitive aspect of taking 25 percent education funding from schools that don’t comply.”