# McMahon pushes schools to recite the Pledge

> Education Secretary Linda McMahon urges routine, voluntary Pledge of Allegiance recitation to strengthen civic learning on Constitution Day.
- Title: McMahon pushes schools to recite the Pledge · Dallas Express
- Summary: Education Secretary Linda McMahon urges routine, voluntary Pledge of Allegiance recitation to strengthen civic learning on Constitution Day. McMahon is…
- Keywords: linda mcmahon, education secretary, pledge of allegiance, constitution day, civic learning, schools, voluntary recitation, trump administration, religion in public life, texas education, news, politics
- Source: Dallas Express — https://dallasexpress.com/education/mcmahon-marks-constitution-day-with-call-for-routine-voluntary-school-pledge-recitation
- Author: Dallas Express
- Published: 2026-09-17T17:00:31+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: linda mcmahon, education secretary, pledge of allegiance, constitution day, civic learning, schools, voluntary recitation, trump administration, religion in public life, texas education, news, politics
## McMahon calls for pledge recitation
Education Secretary Linda McMahon urged schools to provide routine, voluntary opportunities for students to recite the 31-word Pledge of Allegiance to deepen their understanding of the republic.

> To thrive for the next 250 years, we must understand, cherish, and claim the ideals, history, responsibilities, and civic traditions that unite us.
## Constitution signed 239 years ago
September 17 marks 239 years since delegates signed the Constitution in Philadelphia in 1787, establishing a framework where authority rested with the people.
## Pledge didn't exist at founding
The Pledge of Allegiance emerged in 1892 for a Columbus Day school celebration, more than a century after the Constitution was signed. It was commonly credited to Francis Bellamy.
## Pledge evolved over decades
The original 1892 pledge referred to 'my Flag.' Changes in 1923 and 1924 identified it as the U.S. flag. Congress formally recognized it in 1942 and added 'under God' in 1954.
## Eisenhower linked God to Cold War
President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the legislation adding 'under God' on June 14, 1954, linking the change to religious faith and Cold War anxieties, including atomic conflict.

> In this way we are reaffirming the transcendence of religious faith in America's heritage and future.
## Supreme Court protected student choice
In West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette (1943), the Supreme Court ruled schools cannot force students to recite the pledge, protecting students' right not to participate.
## Texas requires daily recitation
Texas Education Code Section 25.082 requires daily recitation of the U.S. and Texas pledges in school districts and charter schools, with an exemption available upon written parental request.
## Civic learning scores are low
Only 22% of eighth graders scored at or above proficient in civics on the 2022 NAEP assessment, and just 13% reached that level in U.S. history.
## Trump administration emphasizes faith
McMahon's appeal comes as the Trump administration established a White House Faith Office in February 2025 and created a Justice Department task force to address alleged anti-Christian bias in federal policies.
## No new federal mandate imposed
McMahon's announcement expressly recognizes constitutional protections and introduces no new federal mandate. Her request invites participation while respecting students' rights not to participate.
## Key takeaway

McMahon is calling for schools to offer regular opportunities for students to voluntarily recite the Pledge of Allegiance as a way to deepen understanding of American civic values and the Constitution.