Richardson Introduces TIPA Act to House Committee

COLUMBUS – State Representative Tracy Richardson (R-Marysville) introduced legislation in the House Primary and Secondary Committee Tuesday requiring schools to make their Pledge of Allegiance policy publicly available. 

The legislation will require all city, local, village and joint vocational school districts to make their Pledge of Allegiance policy publicly available and post it on its publicly accessible website. 

“The Pledge of Allegiance represents our American values of freedom, liberty and justice for all,” said Richardson. “Learning it in school teaches students to respect and love our flag and country.  At a time in history when we seem to be very polarized, reciting the Pledge builds unity by affirming our collective commitment to our national values. This bill gives parents the right to know if their student is reciting the Pledge while in school.”

Under Ohio Revised Code, school districts must already adopt a policy whether recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance is a part of a school’s program. Richardson’s legislation will expand the law, making that policy publicly available.  

House Bill 657 now awaits additional hearings in the House Primary and Secondary Education Committee.