I wanted to let you know about the Minneapolis Public Schools policy for flags and for reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. First, for those who are interested, all of our policies are online in a searchable format: http://policy.mpls.k12.mn.us/ Policies regarding the American Flag: Policy 6137 and 6137a: "The flag of the United States, a symbol of our country's liberty and unity, shall be treated with respect and courtesy. If displayed with any other flag, it shall be accorded the place of honor. The United States flag shall be appropriately displayed at every school building within the district when school is in session. Such display shall be both outside the school building and within the principle rooms of the school building." In terms of other flags flying on school grounds: part of policy 1600a states "No flag other than the United States national colors shall be displayed at any time on the school buildings or grounds, nor within the buildings except upon special permission granted by the Superintendent." Gary Bowman was wondering why a UN flag was outside of Sheridan. I talked with Sheridan Principal Jim Lemmer. Sheridan is a global arts and communication magnet, and the school believes the UN flag expresses the international focus of their school. The district leaves the decision whether or not to say the Pledge of Allegiance up to the individual teachers or principals to decide. A survey of our principals indicated that the vast majority of our elementary school students no longer say the pledge, although Edison PPL is planning on making it mandatory next year. Because of the level of diversity in our schools, both religious and ethnic, the district did not want to require the Pledge of Allegiance. In those few classrooms where the pledge is still recited the teacher is to make clear that it is voluntary participation. -- Debbie Urbanski Communications Department 612-668-0233 Minneapolis Public Schools. Expect Great Things. http://www.mpls.k12.mn.us _______________________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - Minnesota E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
