Page 56 - FY24_Student AndFamilyHandbookEnglish_9-26_23

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Policy 5.40

The State of Florida requires that the Pledge of Allegiance be recited at the beginning of the day in every Florida public
elementary, middle, and high school. Each student shall be informed by a written notice published in the student
handbook or a similar publication pursuant to s. 1006.07(2) that the student has the right not to participate in reciting the
Pledge. Upon written request by his or her parent through a written opt-out, the student must be excused from reciting
the Pledge, including standing and placing the right hand over his or her heart. When the Pledge is given, unexcused
students must show full respect to the flag by standing at attention, men removing the headdress, except when such
headdress is worn for religious purposes F. S. § 1003.44(1).

1. A student under the age of 18 who is not emancipated must stand and recite the Pledge of Allegiance, unless
excused in writing by the parent. An 18-year-old or older or an emancipated high school student has personal
authority and cannot be required to stand and recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

2. In the event of a non-participating student without an opt-out, the school personnel:
a. cannot single out the student in front of the class;
b. must counsel with the student (who is not 18 years of age or older, or an emancipated high school student)
privately and notify the parent for parental resolution, and any conflict between the parent and child
should be resolved by the parent;
c. cannot discipline a student for failing to stand and/or pledge;
d. may issue disciplinary action if a student materially disrupts the Pledge.

PRIVACY

Personal privacy is a right. This right protects both individual and group concerns.

RIGHTS RESPONSIBILITIES

Students have the right to personal privacy. (P- 5.183) Students have the responsibility of respecting the privacy
Students have the right to expect that schools will keep of others. (P-5.002)
their education records safe, secure, and private, except Students have the responsibility to learn how the
information in their school records is gathered, how it is
where disclosure is allowed by the law. (P-5.50;
F.S. § 1002.22); (F.S.§ 1002.221; 20 U.S.C.‚ § 1232g) used, and what it means.
Students have the right to know that information about Students have the responsibility of having in their
another person must be treated with respect and privacy. possession only items allowed by law and School Board
(P-5.50) Policy. (P-5.1812; P-5.1813)
The School District respects the privacy of its students Students have the responsibility to recognize they have
and shall maintain confidentiality regarding any drug only a limited expectation of privacy when using School
testing of student athletes pursuant to P- 5.615. District technology resources. (P-8.123)
Students have the responsibility to recognize that
disrespectful behavior, such as touching anyone’s body in
a way that offends the other person, is unacceptable.
(P-5.001)

FY24 Student and Family Handbook 46 | Page