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Union Public Schools
Our mission is to graduate 100 percent of our students, college and career ready.

5026 Observation of Minute of Silence, Flag Display & Pledge Of Allegiance

OBSERVATION OF MINUTE OF SILENCE

The Oklahoma Legislature has directed that the board of education of each school district shall ensure that the public schools within the district shall observe approximately one minute of silence each day. This policy is adopted to comply with that directive.

The principal of each school building within the school district is hereby directed to designate approximately one minute of each day for the observation of a minute of silence. At the beginning of each semester, the principal or his or her designee will give teachers direction as to how the minute of silence is to be observed. The minute of silence shall be for the purpose of allowing each student and teacher, in the exercise of his or her individual choice, to reflect, meditate, pray, or engage in any other silent activity that does not interfere with, distract, or impede other students and teachers in the exercise of their individual choices. Teachers shall neither encourage students to use nor discourage students from using the minute of silence for any particular purpose, such as reflection, meditation, prayer, or other silent activity. All teachers shall be made aware that it is the student’s decision as to how to utilize the minute of silence, provided that the student’s choice does not interfere with, distract, or impede other students in the exercise of their individual choices.

The daily minute of silence will begin with an announcement over the public address system that there will be a pause for a minute of silence in which students and teachers may reflect, meditate, pray, or engage in any other silent activity that does not interfere with, distract, or impede other students in the exercise of their individual choices.

Reports of violations must be submitted in writing by the complaining party to the principal of the school building where the violation occurred. The district will investigate all reports that a student or teacher has not been permitted to observe approximately one minute of silence each school day pursuant to this policy.

DISPLAY OF THE UNITED STATES FLAG

The United States flag shall be prominently displayed on the grounds of each school building. Traditional customs and practices of displaying the flag shall be observed. The district shall conduct appropriate instructional activities to acquaint students with traditional customs and practices related to the display of the flag of the Unites States of America and the respect which should be observed during appropriate ceremonies related to raising and lowering of the flag and the salute to the flag. Students are allowed to display the United States Flag.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Students shall recite the pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America at least once every school week. Each student shall be informed by posting a notice in a conspicuous place that students not wishing to participate in the pledge shall not be required to do so.

 

Reference: 

70 OKLA. STAT. §11-101.2

O.A.C. 210: 35-3-5

O.A.C. 210: 35-3-252

70 O.S. § 24-106

 

 

 

Adopted: 10/14/24

Revised 12/9/24

Adopted: 4/14/25

Revised 12/8/25