ROANOKE TIMES 
                      Copyright (c) 1995, Roanoke Times

DATE: Friday, December 22, 1995              TAG: 9512220051
SECTION: VIRGINIA                 PAGE: B-4  EDITION: METRO 
DATELINE: MANASSAS

POLICY CALLS FOR STANDING DURING PLEDGE

All students, teachers and visitors to Prince William County schools will have to stop what they are doing and stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.

The Prince William School Board voted unanimously Wednesday night to change the old policy, which did not require anyone to stand during the pledge. The new policy does not require people to actually salute the flag.

``The board is in the business of dealing with values every day,'' said James Bapple, who asked for the measure. ``Respect is a value.''

``I don't believe one can legislate patriotism any more than one can legislate morality,'' said William Hundley.

The changed part of the pledge policy reads: ``All students, teachers and any visitors in the school will stand respectfully while the Pledge is being said. Individuals, who for religious or other deep personal convictions, do not choose to participate in the Pledge of Allegiance, will stand quietly out of respect for the view of others.''

Superintendent Edward Kelly had voiced concerns that the system might face difficulty in enforcing the new policy.

Teachers will enforce the policy the same way they handle students who don't stop talking in class or are disruptive.

- Associated Press

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