Florida Republican Senator Ashley Moody has put forward a legislative proposal aimed at increasing the emphasis on patriotism within the Washington, D.C. public school system. This proposal, known as the PLEDGE Act, seeks to mandate the display of the American flag in school classrooms and provide students with a daily opportunity to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
The proposal comes in response to concerns that some schools in the nation’s capital may lack patriotic symbols and activities, potentially prioritizing activist teachings over civic values. According to a press release from Senator Moody’s office, there is a belief that some educational institutions in Washington, D.C., teach students to be activists while neglecting opportunities to express patriotism.
Moody’s statement emphasizes the importance of fostering pride in the United States, asserting that students should be reminded daily of the freedoms and responsibilities that accompany being an American, alongside the sacrifices made for the country’s flag and values. Currently, more than 40 states have some form of requirement for reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in schools, but Washington, D.C. does not have such mandates.
The PLEDGE Act arrives amid a mayoral race in Washington, D.C., where socialist candidate Janeese Lewis George leads the field. This reflects a broader national trend toward increased support for the Democratic Socialist of America (DSA) movement. The DSA platform advocates for replacing free-market capitalism with social ownership and calls for major constitutional changes, including the abolition of the Electoral College and expanded voting rights for noncitizens.
A recent Gallup poll indicates a generational shift in national pride, with only 41% of Generation Z expressing strong pride in being American, compared to 58% of all U.S. adults. This figure marks the lowest level of national pride recorded by the pollsters since they began their surveys in 2001.
The D.C. Public Schools (DCPS) curriculum emphasizes progressive political topics, such as studying figures like Harvey Milk and exploring the influence of the LGBTQ+ community in Washington, D.C. For instance, fifth-grade social studies standards include analyzing queer culture’s rise during the Black Renaissance and comparing the experiences of LGBTQ+ service members after World War II.
During President Donald Trump’s second term, his administration made efforts to reinstate patriotic symbols in the nation’s capital, including the installation of large American flags on the White House grounds. Additionally, the “Black Lives Matter” street mural near the White House was removed. The period also saw increased political demonstrations, leading to the deployment of the National Guard to ensure safety in the city.
Fox News Digital has reached out to DC Public Schools for a statement regarding the PLEDGE Act proposal.