South Dakota representatives have passed a provision requiring students in public schools to recite the Pledge of Allegiance every day.  The bill allows students who do not wish to recite the pledge to do so respectfully.  But school districts would have to provide students with a daily opportunity to participate in the salute.  Representative Hal Wick of Sioux Falls, who sponsored the bill, says it is a way to pay tribute to the country’s veterans…

 

Representative Kristen Conzet of Rapid City wondered why this issue was being discussed at the state level…

 

Representative Tona Rozum of Mitchell says the bill takes away local control…

 

The bill passed unanimously in the House.  If it passes on the Senate side, South Dakota would be the 40th state to pass such a law.