💥 RAMASWAMY’S NEW PUSH: MAKE OHIO KIDS SAY THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE EVERY DAY — BUT IS IT LEGAL?.c1

Vivek Ramaswamy, the Cincinnati-born entrepreneur and Republican candidate for Ohio governor in the 2026 election, is amplifying his education agenda by advocating that Ohio public schools move beyond optional patriotic exercises and require daily recitations of the Pledge of Allegiance. While Ramaswamy has built his campaign on broad themes of reviving American exceptionalism and strengthening civic engagement, his emphasis on the Pledge mirrors larger national debates about education, identity, and the role of government in schools.

At public events and campaign stops, Ramaswamy has linked his proposal to a broader vision of fostering unity and shared values among young Ohioans. Supporters argue that requiring a daily moment of national affirmation could counteract perceived cultural fragmentation and help instill a sense of duty and belonging from an early age. They point to rising political polarization and declining civic literacy as reasons to emphasize patriotic rituals in schools.

Yet, critics — including civil liberties advocates and parents — worry that mandating such practices risks infringing on individual freedoms and blurring lines between government and personal belief. These concerns are particularly poignant given Ohio’s diverse population and strong legal protections for free expression.

Under current Ohio law, school boards are required to adopt a policy on whether the Pledge of Allegiance “shall be a part of the school’s program” and, if so, to establish how the recitation would occur. Importantly, existing law prohibits schools from forcing any student to participate in the Pledge, and teachers are prohibited from compelling students to engage in recitation against their will.

Specifically, Section 3313.602 of the Ohio Revised Code allows classroom teachers to provide time for the Pledge but forbids intimidation or coercion aimed at pressuring students into participating. This reflects both state practice and longstanding Supreme Court precedent that schools cannot force students to salute the flag or recite the Pledge if it violates their beliefs or freedoms.

In short, while districts may schedule time for the Pledge, they may not make students stand or speak it — and current law safeguards that individual choice.

In recent years, Ohio lawmakers have considered bills aimed at shaping how the Pledge is handled in schools. One proposed legislative effort would require districts to set aside specific time each day for the Pledge as part of the school routine, but stop short of forcing participation.

Proponents of such bills — including some lawmakers from both parties — claim that requiring a designated time enhances transparency and consistency across districts, ensuring students have regular exposure to America’s civic traditions. Critics counter that these moves could inadvertently create social pressure for students to conform, especially in tightly knit school communities.

Aside from the Pledge, lawmakers have also introduced proposals promoting moments of silence at the start of the school day, which advocates say could offer students space for reflection, prayer, or quiet thought — though opponents worry such measures could serve as a backdoor for religious practices in public schools.

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