Display and Salute of the Flag

The Board of Education recognizes that the flag of the United States is a symbol of the values of our nation, the ideals embedded in our Constitution and the spirit that should animate our district.

The district shall purchase a United States flag and a New York State flag, a flag staff and the necessary appliances for their display upon or near every school building. There shall be a United States flag displayed in every assembly room of every school.

Students and staff in each school of the district shall have the right and daily opportunity to participate in a salute and pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. Such pledge shall be given each day at a time and in a form and manner meaningful and appropriate to the level of the student. Students and staff who are members of a religious sect whose doctrine does not permit them to recite the pledge of allegiance as provided for by this policy or who hold a sincere conviction giving rise to a conscientious objection to such a pledge of allegiance may refrain from repeating the pledge and may not be required to stand for the pledge but shall not by words or actions interfere with the right of others to give such a pledge.

The flags shall be flown at full- or half-staff pursuant to law.

Consistent with national and state law and regulations and this policy, the Superintendent of Schools shall develop rules and regulations for the proper custody, care and display of the flags.

Policy References:

Education Law §418; 419; 420; 802 executive Law, Article 19 8

NYCRR Part 108; Lapolla v. Dullaghann, 63 Misc. 2d 157 (1970)

Board Approved: April 7, 2008