Shaftsbury Elementary reportedly bans Pledge of Allegiance

SHAFTSBURY, Vt. (NEWS10) – Controversy is brewing at Shaftsbury Elementary School as parents say students were banned from reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Parents are particularly agitated that this action wasn't publicly debated before implementation.

When McKenzie Sandquist heard about the reported ban, she, her two daughters, and several other parents decided to say the pledge outside the school. To Sadquist’s surprise, multiple cops greeted the K-6 students Thursday morning.

“I feel like that was more abrasive than what we did this morning. Having six police officers there standing at the welcome when all of these children got out of their car," said Sandquist.

The mom says her daughters want to say the pledge and were marked tardy for stopping to say it before class.

“It seems that the superintendent has decided that they're going to put it on the principals of each elementary school whether they can save the pledge or not," Sandquist continued.

Shaftsbury Elementary operates under the Southwest Vermont Supervisory Union (school district). A representative says the union did not ban the Pledge of Allegiance but said in a statement: “Across all schools where the Pledge was recited, students and staff have the choice to opt out”

The school did not want to speak to NEWS10, and the union did not confirm if the school did in fact ban the pledge. The union's statement continued, reading: “On its face, the ”opt-out” choice seems reasonable" adding that " It is now clear that a consistent practice needs to be developed across our schools, to address all of the various points of view on this matter”.

Former school board member Michael Gardner would have preferred if Shaftsbury gave his 11-year-old daughter the option to say the pledge.

"I would be just as offended if they mandated the Pledge of Allegiance as I am that they've banned been the pledge of allegiance,” said Gardner.

“As a parent, part of our job is to make sure that our kids grow up to be well rounded citizens and to understand that in life you're going to run into a lot of different opinions and the best thing you can do is listen with an open ear,” Gardner added.

Parents will have an opportunity to voice their concerns. The next school board meeting will be Tuesday, October 8.