New pledge of allegiance policy emboldens atheist group

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FORT MYERS, Fla. – One of the nation’s largest atheist organizations wants to ensure all Florida school districts adhere to opt-out policies concerning the pledge of allegiance.

Students have been able to refuse reciting the pledge of allegiance in Florida schools for years. The policy in Lee County only requires parents to write a note of exemption. But a new state law is requiring school districts to include their policies in a student handbook.

The American Atheist group has sent letters to all 67 districts and requested a copies of their handbooks.

The law goes into effect July 1. The Lee County School District is expected to bring up the issue in a board meeting Tuesday.

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