Providence School Board member sparks debate over Pledge of Allegiance in schools

PROVIDENCE, R.I.  — A discussion over whether Providence students should recite the Pledge of Allegiance in schools is stirring debate after School Board member Corey Jones said in a podcast interview that he doesn’t think they should.

Jones later clarified on X (formerly Twitter) that he’s not pushing to remove the pledge but believes the district should question anything that doesn’t improve student outcomes.

Fellow board member Night Jean Muhingabo disagreed, saying unity matters and the pledge serves as a reminder of shared values.

Mayor Brett Smiley called the controversy a “distraction,” noting state law says no one can be forced to say the pledge.

Do you think the pledge should remain in Providence classrooms?