A.R.S. 15-506. Flag display; recitation of the pledge of allegiance

School authorities shall purchase a United States flag, flagstaff and appurtenances, display the flag upon or near the school building during school hours and at such other times as they direct and set aside a specific time each day for those students who wish to recite the pledge of allegiance to the United States flag.

http://www.statepress.com/issues/2006/04/11/news/696619

Bill could require flags in all university classrooms

by Natalie Hayes

published on Tuesday, April 11, 2006

The Arizona House of Representatives passed a bill last month that would require ASU to install American flags in all classrooms.

House Bill 2583 would require the Arizona Board of Regents and community college districts to buy flags made in the United States.

After passing the Senate in late March, it was assigned to two other committees but a vote hasn't been scheduled.

Private, parochial and home schools would be exempt from the bill.

Journalism senior Andrea Evenson said the bill wouldn't be beneficial in a university environment.

"We [students] should be patriotic, but it shouldn't be mandatory to have flags displayed everywhere we go," Evenson said.

"What will be next, saying the Pledge of Allegiance before every class?" Evenson added.

State law already requires all K-12 schools to have a flag in or around the vicinity of their buildings during school hours. Schools are also required by law to set aside a specific time each day for students who want to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

Journalism senior Carrie Marchese said the bill wouldn't force students to be patriotic.

"We should be reminded of what the flag stands for," Marchese said. "The flag doesn't represent certain religious beliefs, so it's not imposing anything on us."

The bill requires that ASU, UA and NAU submit the number of classrooms without a flag to ABOR by mid-July.

From that point, the Joint Legislative Budget Committee would add up how much it would cost to put a flag and necessary hardware in each classroom that doesn't already have one.

They would next recommend proposed legislation to address funding of the calculated cost.

Florida passed a similar law in 2004 that said all public K-20 schools must have an American flag in each classroom. In addition, the flags must be manufactured in the U.S.

Marchese said she supports the Arizona legislation.

"I don't think this bill would be such a bad thing," Marchese said. "There's nothing wrong with being patriotic."

The bill passed the House last month with 35 members voting for it and 19 opposing the legislation.

Primary bill sponsors Russell Pearce, R-Mesa, John Nelson, R-Glendale, and Colette Rosati, R-Scottsdale, did not return calls for comment.

Reach the reporter at natalie.i.hayes@asu.edu.