Posted at: 06/25/2009 8:29 PM
Updated at: 06/26/2009 9:30 AM
By: The Associated Press
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NM official seeks more comment on pledge rule
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) - New Mexico Education Secretary Veronica Garcia on Thursday reopened the comment period on a rule change that would allow school children to opt out of reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, a morning ritual in public schools around the state.
Department rules state that the pledge shall be recited each day in school.
The proposed one-sentence amendment to the rules states that any person not wishing to participate in reciting the pledge can do so without consequences or retaliation.
The department will accept written comments on the proposal through July 27.
Garcia says the pledge is an important American tradition, but adds that those students who choose not to recite the pledge because of their beliefs should be respected.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
