Beginning with the 1991-92 school year, all public school students, commencing with grades kindergarten through and including high school, shall during the course of each school day's activities at a specific time which must be designated by the local school say the Pledge of Allegiance as follows:
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
Any person not wishing to say the "Pledge of Allegiance" or otherwise participate in saying the "Pledge of Allegiance" is exempt from participation and may not be penalized for failing to participate.
A person who does not wish to participate may leave the classroom, may remain in his seat, or may express his nonparticipation in any form which does not materially infringe upon the rights of other persons or disrupt school activities.
HISTORY: 1991 Act No. 55, Section 1.
Structure South Carolina Code of Laws
Chapter 1 - General Provisions
Section 59-1-20. Purpose of South Carolina School Code.
Section 59-1-30. Construction.
Section 59-1-40. Scope of State system of public education.
Section 59-1-50. Educational achievement goals for high school graduates and students.
Section 59-1-110. "Private school" defined.
Section 59-1-120. "Public school" defined.
Section 59-1-130. "Teacher" defined.
Section 59-1-140. "Teacher aide" defined.
Section 59-1-160. "School district" defined.
Section 59-1-170. "State Board" defined.
Section 59-1-180. "State Educational Finance Commission" defined.
Section 59-1-190. "State Department" defined.
Section 59-1-200. "Scholastic year" defined.
Section 59-1-310. Superintendents of education may administer oaths and probate certain papers.
Section 59-1-320. Display of United States and State flags.
Section 59-1-325. Patriotic depictions in schools.
Section 59-1-330. Pledge to State flag.
Section 59-1-340. Meetings of boards of trustees and boards of education.
Section 59-1-350. Compensation of members of boards of trustees and boards of education.
Section 59-1-360. Audiovisual properties may be loaned.
Section 59-1-370. Closing of educational institutions on general election day.
Section 59-1-380. Mandatory tobacco and alternative nicotine product-free local school board policy.
Section 59-1-400. Sick leave for public school employees.
Section 59-1-405. Distribution of contraceptives on school grounds prohibited.
Section 59-1-410. "Teacher Recognition Day."
Section 59-1-425. Beginning and length of school term; make-up days; waiver; instructional days.
Section 59-1-435. Religious Viewpoints Antidiscrimination Act.
Section 59-1-441. Policy to permit student to deliver message.
Section 59-1-442. Policy to permit opening or closing message at school-sponsored athletic events.
Section 59-1-443. Schools shall provide minute of mandatory silence at beginning of each school day.
Section 59-1-445. Violations of mandatory test security; penalties; investigations.
Section 59-1-447. Regulations for mandatory test security procedures.
Section 59-1-450. Parent education programs.
Section 59-1-452. Public school employee cost savings program.
Section 59-1-453. Oversight Committee.
Section 59-1-454. Parental involvement program; parent/teacher conferences.
Section 59-1-455. Time for pledge of allegiance required.
Section 59-1-460. Excused school attendance for religious instruction.
Section 59-1-465. Youth patriotic societies; public school event addresses.
Section 59-1-470. Distribution of funds for deferred compensation.
Section 59-1-480. Lapsed funds; priority of use.
Section 59-1-490. Data use and governance policy.
Section 59-1-495. Committee to review Title 59 and related federal laws.
Section 59-1-510. Guidelines and regulations for recruiting and hiring staff in professional areas.