Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 16 - CURRICULUM (§§ 6-16-101 — 6-16-1902) › Subchapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 6-16-101 — 6-16-162) › Section 6-16-108 - Recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance

(a)
The State Board of Education shall adopt a policy to require that:
(1)
Public school students in grades kindergarten through twelve (K-12) participate in a daily recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance followed by one (1) minute of silence during the first class of each school day; and
(2)
(A)
Kindergarten through grade twelve (K-12) public schools lead or broadcast a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance followed by one (1) minute of silence at the commencement of each school-sanctioned after-school assembly and each school-sanctioned sporting event.
(B)
However, if any part of two (2) or more school-sanctioned sporting events occurs on the same day at the same school, a public school may choose to lead or broadcast a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance followed by one (1) minute of silence at only one (1) of the school-sanctioned sporting events.
(b)
The policy required under subsection (a) of this section shall:
(1)
Require that at the time designated for the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance students shall stand and recite the Pledge of Allegiance while facing the flag with their right hands over their hearts or in an appropriate salute if in uniform;
(2)
(A)
Provide that no student shall be compelled to recite the Pledge of Allegiance if the student or the student's parent or legal guardian objects to the student's participating in the exercise on religious, philosophical, or other grounds.
(B)
Students who are exempt from reciting the Pledge of Allegiance under subdivision (b)(2)(A) of this section shall be required to remain quietly standing or sitting at their desks while others recite the Pledge of Allegiance;
(3)
(A)
Provide that teachers or other school staff who have religious, philosophical, or other grounds for objecting are exempt from leading or participating in the exercise.
(B)
If a teacher chooses not to lead the Pledge of Allegiance, the policy shall require that another suitable person shall be designated either by the teacher or principal to lead the class;
(4)
Require the school to provide appropriate accommodations for students, teachers, or other staff who are unable to comply with the procedures described in this section due to disability; and
(5)
(A)
Provide for the observance of one (1) minute of silence following the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.
(B)
During the one (1) minute of silence following the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, each student may reflect, pray, meditate, or engage in any other silent activity that is not likely to interfere with or distract another student.
(C)
Each public school teacher or other public school employee in charge of students during the period in which the Pledge of Allegiance is recited and moment of silence is observed shall ensure that each student remains silent and does not act in a manner that is likely to interfere with or distract another student.
Amended by Act 2021, No. 959,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021.
Acts 2003, No. 1333, § 1.