Nebraska Lawmaker Wants End to Pledge of Allegiance

Objects over reasons of racial injustice, not because it's creepy

LINCOLN — State Sen. Ernie Chambers doesn't want the Pledge of Allegiance said in Nebraska classrooms.

He's proposed a bill to roll back a recently enacted requirement that Nebraska schools set aside time every school day for students to recite the pledge.

Having endured racial insults as a child in school, Chambers said America is not the indivisible, just nation described in the pledge, which he says is propaganda.

The state Board of Education in August approved a policy that require public schools to set aside time for the pledge, although student participation is voluntary. Schools risk losing accreditation and funding if they don't adhere to the policy. The policy was endorsed by Gov. Dave Heineman.