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HB 310

Pledge of Allegiance; require that public school students recite at the beginning of each school day.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Becky Currie

Mississippi bill mandating daily Pledge of Allegiance recitation in public schools, raising constitutional compelled-speech and religious expression concerns.

Referred To Education
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Bill Summary · HB 310

Legislative bill overview

HB 310 would mandate that all public school students in Mississippi recite the Pledge of Allegiance at the beginning of each school day. The bill establishes a requirement for schools to incorporate this practice into their daily routines, though it does not appear to address exemptions or enforcement mechanisms based on the limited information available.

Why is this important

This bill touches on longstanding debates about patriotism, religious expression, and student rights in public education. The Pledge contains the phrase "under God" (added in 1954), which raises questions about secular versus religious content in schools and parental authority over their children's participation in school activities.

Potential points of contention

  • First Amendment concerns: Supreme Court precedent (West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette, 1943) established that students cannot be compelled to recite the Pledge, raising constitutional questions about mandates
  • Religious expression in schools: The "under God" language creates tension with separation of church and state principles and may conflict with some families' beliefs
  • Enforcement and penalties: Unclear what consequences would apply to non-participation and whether exemptions would be permitted, affecting practical implementation and student autonomy

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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