Father Sues Falmouth School Department Over Pledge of Allegiance

A father has filed a lawsuit against the Falmouth School Department in Maine, alleging they did not comply with state law by not allowing students the chance to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. This suit was initiated on March 3 by Christopher Hickey, who claims that both the school district and Superintendent Steve Nolan failed to offer his son, Clayton, the opportunity to participate in this civic tradition.

The complaint is directed at the Cumberland County Superior Court, requesting an injunction to make the high school adhere to state legislation. Hickey’s attorney, Jack Baldacci, expressed the hope that the court would act swiftly to restore this practice for all students in Falmouth. “My client wants to make sure that his son, Clayton, and other students can engage in this important tradition,” Baldacci said.

Maine law mandates that every student in a school must be given an opportunity to recite the Pledge of Allegiance at least once during the school day. However, it also stipulates that no student should be compelled to do so.

Superintendent Nolan has not yet provided comment regarding the lawsuit. Notably, the recitation of the pledge saw a revival after the September 11 attacks in 2001, when many schools recommitted to the practice.

Interestingly, in 2015, South Portland High School implemented a procedure allowing the student body president to invite classmates to recite the Pledge following an online petition that gathered substantial support amidst local discussions about the matter.