The daily recitation of the Texas Pledge of Allegiance alongside the U.S. Pledge is a deeply ingrained ritual in Texas public schools. Unlike many other states, Texas law requires not only a daily recitation of both pledges, but also a moment of silence and the prominent display of both flags in each classroom. The practice is a point of pride for many Texans and a source of occasional legal and cultural debate.

Texas Pledge of Allegiance in School

The Texas Pledge: The Words and History

The text of the Texas state pledge is established in state law. The current wording is:

“Honor the Texas flag; I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas, one state under God, one and indivisible.”

The Texas pledge has a history that reflects the state’s identity. The first version was established in 1933 and simply read: “Honor the Texas Flag of 1836; I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas, one and indivisible.” The phrase “of 1836” was removed in 1965 to reflect the current Lone Star Flag.

The most significant and controversial change occurred in 2007. The Texas Legislature passed House Bill 1034, which added the words “under God” to the state pledge. The bill’s authors argued that this change would better acknowledge the nation’s religious heritage and align the Texas pledge with the U.S. Pledge of Allegiance, which has contained “under God” since 1954. The House passed the bill 124 to 5, and it was signed into law. This amendment sparked significant debate over the separation of church and state and the role of religion in public schools, but it has remained in place.

What the Law Requires: A Daily Ritual

The requirements for reciting the pledges are outlined in the Texas Education Code § 25.082. The law mandates several specific actions:

Daily Recitation: The board of trustees of each school district and each open-enrollment charter school must require students to recite the pledges once per school day at each campus. This includes both the pledge of allegiance to the United States flag and the pledge of allegiance to the Texas state flag.

Flag Display: Schools are also required to ensure that both the U.S. and Texas flags are prominently displayed in each classroom where the pledges are recited. However, the law also specifies that schools are not required to use public funds to purchase flags, but may raise money or accept donations for this purpose.

Minute of Silence: Following the recitation of the pledges, schools must provide for a one-minute period of silence. During this time, each student may reflect, pray, meditate, or engage in any other silent activity, provided it does not distract others. Teachers must ensure that students remain silent during this period.

The Opt-Out Provision: Parental Rights

The law includes a specific provision for parents who do not wish their children to participate. On written request from a student’s parent or guardian, the school must excuse the student from reciting either pledge. These students must wait outside the room while the pledges are conducted.

This opt-out provision is rooted in the 1943 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that mandatory pledges violated free speech and religious freedoms. The Texas law provides a clear legal pathway for parents to exempt their children from the daily recitation.

Recent and Proposed Legislation

The pledges remain an active topic in the Texas Legislature. In the most recent session, Senate Bill 3024 has reinforced the requirement for daily recitation or silent observance of the pledges in schools. Additionally, House Bill 3152, proposed for the 2025-2026 school year, would require not only the flags but also the text of both pledges to be prominently displayed in every classroom. These proposals indicate that the ritual remains a subject of legislative interest and fine-tuning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Texas public schools require students to recite a pledge?

Yes, Texas public schools and open-enrollment charter schools require students to recite both the U.S. Pledge of Allegiance and the Texas Pledge of Allegiance once per day.

What is the Texas Pledge?

The Texas Pledge is “Honor the Texas flag; I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas, one state under God, one and indivisible.”

Can a student opt out of reciting the pledges in Texas?

Yes. On written request from a parent or guardian, a school must excuse the student from reciting either pledge.

Is there a moment of silence after the pledges?

Yes, state law requires a one-minute period of silence after the pledges.

Disclaimer: This information is for general informational purposes only. Education laws and policies can change. Always consult the Texas Education Agency or your school district for the most current information.