PHOENIX — An Arizona lawmaker wants to make it harder for schoolchildren to avoid saying the Pledge of Allegiance in the morning.
Republican Rep. John Fillmore of Apache Junction introduced legislation that would require students to recite the pledge each morning unless a parent excuses them. Along with this, schools would also be required to set aside at least a minute each day for "quiet reflection and moral reasoning."
Arizona schools are currently required to designate time for students to recite the pledge if they wish, but by law, the students are not required to participate.
The American Civil Liberties Union has said the proposal is unconstitutional.
Gov. Doug Ducey said Tuesday that he wasn't aware students aren't required to say the Pledge of Allegiance. Although he said he doesn't comment on pending legislation, he thinks it's a good idea to recite the pledge.
"I'm a fan of the Pledge of Allegiance," Ducey said. "I would be hopeful that all of our kids, especially our kids in grade school, would begin each day with the pledge."
Fillmore's bill may be considered after the Legislature convenes in January.
