By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
MONTGOMERY — Alabama voters will consider two constitutional amendments in November addressing the Pledge of Allegiance, student-led prayer, and national anthem broadcasts in public schools.
Amendment 3 would require local school boards to adopt policies directing public K-12 schools to conduct the pledge at the beginning of each school day and offer students an opportunity to participate voluntarily.
The proposal also requires policies allowing student-initiated, student-led prayer. Its text expressly states that students cannot be required to participate and must be allowed to opt out of either activity based on their beliefs.
Sponsored by Rep. Reed Ingram, R-Pike Road, the measure passed the House 94-3 and the Senate 30-0, according to Alabama Reflector. Ingram argues that placing the provisions in the Constitution would strengthen their protection.
Critics question how the prayer policy would operate. Auburn University political science professor Steven P. Brown raised concerns about constitutional limits on school involvement in religious activities. The League of Women Voters of Alabama opposes Amendment 3. Amendment 4, sponsored by Sen. Gerald Allen, R-Cottondale, addresses weekly broadcasts of “The Star-Spangled Banner” in public K-12 schools. The proposals are separate ballot questions