New Mexico Students Could Soon Opt Out of Saying Pledge of Allegiance

The New Mexico Secretary of Education has taken consideration to a policy, which would allow students to opt out of saying the pledge of allegiance at school.

Nothing's been set in stone yet, but some New Mexico residents aren't so welcome to the idea.

"I really seriously believe that it's something that all of our children should be able to do, Jal, New Mexico resident James Tucker said.

He says the pledge of allegiance is an important part of being an American.

"I think we should encourage them, and I think we should be proud of our country, Tucker said.

He says the pledge is a necessary reminder of American heritage.

"It's important for us to be conscious of our country and the things that make it great, Tucker said.

Resident Karen Norwood sees the pledge as a tool to promote pride.

"I think we should say the pledge of allegiance and I think patriotism should be instilled in children at a young age, Norwood said.

And she says school is the right place to do it.

"It's a very important part of education, of growing up, of living here."

But she also agrees that American freedoms apply to this topic as well.

"It also means the freedom I guess, not to do those things, not to say the pledge if that's what you prefer."

We tried to contact the New Mexico Secretary of Education for her take on this policy, but our phone calls were not returned at news time.

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[MACkillaROGI]

Thanks for only showing one side of the story, how about other people's opinions?