FARGO, N.D. (AP) — The school board in North Dakota’s most populous city reversed course Thursday on its decision to stop reciting the Pledge of Allegiance at its monthly meetings, following complaints from the state’s conservative governor and lawmakers along with widespread bashing from citizens around the country.
Seven of the nine members of the Fargo Board of Education, including four newcomers who took office in June, voted last week to nix a previous board edict that was approved a couple of months before the election. The new board agreed with member Seth Holden, who said the pledge did not align with the district’s diversity and inclusion code in part because the phrase “under God” does not include all faiths.
North Dakota Republican Gov. Doug Burgum earlier this week promoted new legislation that would require public schools and governing bodies to administer the pledge without mandating that people recite it. Republican state Rep. Pat Heinert, a retired county sheriff, is suggesting that sanctions be put in place for public boards and commissions that don’t require the patriotic oath.
The nasty emails and voicemails dominated Thursday’s special meeting to reconsider the vote. Nyamal Dei, a refugee who fled war-torn Sudan, played a profanity-laced voicemail from a man who called her a slave, racist and Nazi. Several board members apologized to Dei, the lone Black member on the board, for taking the worst of the abuse.
Dei said walking back the decision would be giving in to hate. She paused for several seconds before casting the lone no vote to reinstate the pledge.
“We won’t be rewarding our children or students in our district for acting in this way,” Dei said. “But know that this moment will pass. Let’s get back to the work that we are elected to do and that is to find a solution to our teacher shortages, mental health issues and academic achievement for our students.”
City of Fargo spokesman Gregg Schildberger said police “are currently investigating a handful reports related to perceived threats” to at least three members of the board.
Board member Greg Clark said he broke down his angry messages and found that less than 20% came from Fargo. He admitted that his vote to bring back the pledge was directly influenced by people he does not represent.
“But I hope you’ll forgive me because I truly believe it is in the best interest of our schools to do so.” Clark said. “The disruptions and the threats must end…
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