Mars Area School District adds patriotism to its mission statement

The Mars Area school board Tuesday voted 7-0 to add patriotism to the district’s mission statement.

The policy is a revision to the district’s mission statement, originally adopted in 2015. The revision adds a “core value” that reads, “Quality education should promote students to be informed, engaged and patriotic.”

Items under “promotion of patriotism” are display the U.S. flag at all buildings, athletic facilities and in each classroom; provide an opportunity for everyone to recite the Pledge of Allegiance daily, whether in person or remote; play the national anthem before all home games; “promote civility and decency in the treatment of all others”; and respect free speech, conscience and religious liberty rights of all students and employees.

The policy also bans teaching concepts that “impute fault, blame, a tendency to oppress others or the need to feel guilt or anguish to persons solely because of their race, sex or religion.” Social theories such as critical race theory and the 1619 Project and conspiracy theories such as Holocaust denial and 9/11 theory will not be presented to students unless approved by the school board in a public meeting.

Board member J. Dayle Ferguson, who wrote the policy, said, “Patriotism is not controversial, period.”

Parent Jen McAfee, who holds a bachelor’s degree in history and is a teacher in another district, said the policy is unnecessary because displaying flags in classrooms, the Pledge of Allegiance and national anthem are in the Pennsylvania School Code.

“In 21 years of teaching, there isn’t one teacher I can see that is not saying the Pledge of Allegiance and has a flag in the room,” she said. “Please do not embarrass the Mars School District. Make the mission statement centered around education and what we can achieve as a district.”

Mrs. McAfee said she has interviewed a Holocaust survivor for her classes. She said she asked, “What is the one thing you want students and teachers alike to remember?” The answer was: “to never let it happen again.”

Resident Tina Wilson was one of three speakers who applauded the new policy.

“It is important that the school reiterate the importance of being an American and support America,” she said. “We’re Americans. We’re all equal. And I love this country and I love this school district.”

Board members Rita Dorsch and Megan Lenz were absent.