A Maine school district in Falmouth has reportedly changed its policy after a lawsuit filed by a father and son about the Pledge of Allegiance in classrooms. The Portland Press Herald reported that Christopher Hickey filed suit on behalf of his 10th-grade son Clayton, alleging the Falmouth School Department was violating its long‑standing policy and state law by not providing daily opportunities to recite the Pledge in high school.
The lawsuit claimed that the pledge occurred regularly in the district’s elementary and middle schools, but high school students had not participated for two years. District leadership told Fox News Digital that families are encouraged to raise questions and concerns about district policies, and that reciting the Pledge is an option at Falmouth High School.
“At Falmouth High School, students are welcome to say the Pledge of Allegiance if they choose,” Falmouth Schools Superintendent Steve Nolan said in a statement. “Now that this matter has been brought to our attention, we have taken steps to provide an opportunity during the school day for students who wish to say the Pledge of Allegiance to do so during a designated time.”
Statute §4010 states that “a school administrative unit shall allow every student enrolled in the school administrative unit the opportunity to recite the Pledge of Allegiance at some point during a school day in which students are required to attend. A school administrative unit may not require a student to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.”
The district’s policy also notes that an American flag will be flown on school grounds on school days and will be visible in every classroom. “Furthermore, an opportunity must be provided, during the school days for which students are required to attend, for students and staff to recite the Pledge of Allegiance,” the policy adds.
Hickey’s attorney, Jack Baldacci, said in a statement that despite Nolan’s preference to resolve the matter without litigation, the district would not have changed without the suit. “The district had ample time to correct this longstanding omission on its own and failed to do so,” Baldacci wrote. “We are glad the district is now complying, and we hope this marks the beginning of a renewed commitment to the robust civic education every student deserves.”
