All Shelby County schools shall open each school day with the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States and/or the playing of the National Anthem.

At the time designated, unless they are exempt, students shall stand and recite the Pledge of Allegiance while facing the flag with their right hands over their hearts or in an appropriate salute if in uniform.

No student shall be compelled to recite the Pledge of Allegiance if the student or the student's parent or legal guardian objects on religious, philosophical or other grounds to the student participating in such exercise.

Students who are exempt from reciting the Pledge of Allegiance shall remain quietly standing or sitting at their desks while others recite the Pledge of Allegiance and shall make no display that disrupts or distracts others who are reciting the Pledge.

Teachers and other school staff who have religious, philosophical, or other grounds for objecting to saying or leading the Pledge of Allegiance are exempt from leading or participating in the exercise.

If a teacher chooses not to lead the Pledge, the teacher or Principal shall designate another suitable person to lead the class.



T.C.A. § 49-6-1001
Tennessee State Board of Education Policy No. 4.208

POSTING THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE/NATIONAL MOTTO
All Shelby County schools shall have posted The Pledge of Allegiance and the National Motto of the United States in a prominent place in the school, e.g. main entrance or common area, and in each school classroom.

T.C.A. § 49-6-1001
Tennessee State Board of Education Policy No. 4.208