Pledge of Allegiance, FHSAA updates reflected in 2016-17 OCPS Code of Conduct

ORLANDO  As of the May 24 Orange County School Board meeting, language is officially in the 2016-17 Orange County Public Schools Code of Student Conduct to allow students to refrain from saying the Pledge of Allegiance.

Under the "Free Speech/Expression" section of the board-approved code, officials added language explicitly stating "Students have a right to not participate in recitation of Pledge of Allegiance."

The code also reflects updates to state law from the recently approved 'school choice bill.'

Within the same school year, only because of foster care placement, guardian death, impacts of military orders or court-ordered custody changes may a student partake in intrascholastic or interscholastic sports that student already has partaken in at another school. Furthermore, recruiting allegations will not affect students' participation until officials reach a final determination.

This does mean, though -- as a hypothetical example -- a student playing for the Olympia High bowling team in the fall could then transfer to Dr. Phillips High in the spring and join its softball team.

Another explicit addition in the code was "Skateboards are not permitted on the school bus."

The board also introduced Nicole Jefferson as principal of Robinswood Middle School.

Contact Zak Kerr at [email protected].