Florida Republican Proposes PLEDGE Act to Promote Patriotism in D.C. Schools
Florida Republican Senator Ashley Moody introduced a bill aimed at emphasizing patriotism within the Washington, D.C. public school system, according to Fox News Digital. The legislation, known as the PLEDGE Act, mandates the display of the American Flag in classrooms and provides students with the chance to recite the Pledge of Allegiance daily.
The press release shared with Fox News Digital indicates concerns that some D.C. schools neither display the national flag nor reserve time for the Pledge of Allegiance, but rather educate students in activism.
“There are schools in the nation’s capital that do not display our flag or set aside time for students to recite the Pledge of Allegiance, but they do teach them to be activists,” the release claims.
Conservatives argue that in a city where Pride flags and progressive causes have significant visibility, patriotic symbols appear to be less prominent, raising questions about the civics education of young Americans.
Senator Moody expressed concerns, stating, “Radicals want to teach kids to be ashamed of the United States of America and promote activism instead. We should focus on teaching why America deserves admiration, as well as the values and principles that make it worth defending.” Over 40 states have different versions of Pledge requirements, but the nation’s capital does not.
“The PLEDGE Act aims to restore national pride by reminding students daily of the freedoms, responsibilities, and privileges associated with being an American, plus the sacrifices made for our flag and all it represents,” Moody noted.
This initiative coincides with a mayoral race in Washington, D.C., where Janeese Lewis George, a socialist candidate, is leading. This reflects a broader trend in the rise of the Democratic Socialist of America (DSA) movement, which often challenges American capitalist ideals.
The DSA’s agenda seeks to appeal to younger voters, advocating for social ownership over free-market capitalism and proposing significant constitutional changes, such as the abolition of the Electoral College and extending voting rights to noncitizens.
According to a June 2025 Gallup poll, there is a significant generational gap in expressions of national pride. Only 41% of Generation Z express being extremely or very proud to be American compared to 58% of all U.S. adults.
The D.C. Public School (DCPS) curriculum emphasizes progressive politics, educating students on topics like Harvey Milk and LGBT contributions. For example, fifth-grade social studies require students to analyze the rise of queer culture during the Black Renaissance.
During Donald Trump’s second presidential term, efforts were made to reinstate patriotic symbols in the nation’s capital, including the addition of two large American flags at the White House and the removal of the “Black Lives Matter” street mural.
Washington, D.C. remains a central venue for political protests and demonstrations. In Trump’s second term, the National Guard was deployed in the city to ensure security.