Ohio bill mandates daily Pledge of Allegiance in schools

A new bipartisan bill in Ohio, House Bill 117, would require public schools to recite the Pledge of Allegiance daily. This replaces the current law that allows districts to decide their own policies regarding the pledge. The bill mandates that school boards establish a specific time for the recitation but makes participation optional for students and staff. It also prohibits any changes to the pledge's wording. Supporters argue that the bill aims to promote patriotism among students, as some districts currently recite the pledge infrequently or not at all. The bill has not yet received public testimony in the House committee.