Sen. Ashley Moody’s PLEDGE Act Aims to Boost Patriotism in D.C. Schools

Florida Republican Senator Ashley Moody has introduced a new legislative proposal targeting the public school system in Washington, D.C., intending to promote patriotism in the nation’s capital. The bill, known as the PLEDGE Act, requires teachers to display the American Flag in classrooms and provides students with the opportunity to recite the Pledge of Allegiance daily.

A press release pointed out that some schools in Washington, D.C., do not currently display the flag or allocate time for students to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. It suggests that these schools instead teach children to be activists.

Activists were seen burning a U.S. flag at Black Lives Matter Plaza near the White House on July 4, 2020.

Several conservatives argue that in Washington, D.C., where Pride flags and progressive causes are prominently featured, traditional patriotic symbols like the American flag receive less emphasis in educational settings. There is concern about how the next generations of Americans are learning civic values.

“Radicals want to teach kids to be ashamed of the United States of America and how to be activists instead. We should be teaching kids why America is worth loving and, most importantly, the principles and values that make America worth defending,” Moody stated.

While more than 40 states have different requirements regarding the Pledge of Allegiance in schools, Washington, D.C., has yet to implement such regulations. Moody’s PLEDGE Act seeks to instill national pride by reminding students daily of their freedoms, responsibilities, and the sacrifices behind the flag.

During protests, demonstrators were seen repainting “Defund the Police” on Black Lives Matter Plaza at the Republican National Convention’s close.

The introduction of this bill comes amid a mayoral race in D.C., with Janeese Lewis George, a socialist candidate, leading. This reflects a broader trend in the rising influence of the Democratic Socialist of America (DSA), which advocates for significant changes such as abolishing the Electoral College and expanding voting rights.

According to a 2025 Gallup poll, only 41% of Generation Z expresses strong national pride, compared to 58% of all U.S. adults, marking the lowest level of patriotism recorded since the poll began in 2001.

The DC Public School (DCPS) curriculum includes topics like the study of Harvey Milk and the impact of the LGBTQ+ community on Washington, D.C. Fifth-grade social studies standards require students to explore the rise of queer culture during the Black Renaissance and the experiences of LGBTQ+ service members post-World War II.

Sen. Ashley Moody, R-Fla., departing the Senate floor after a vote on Oct. 21, 2025.

During President Donald Trump’s second term, his administration emphasized patriotic symbols in Washington, D.C., including the installation of large American flags on White House grounds and the removal of the “Black Lives Matter” mural near the executive residence.

Political demonstrations and protests have long been a part of Washington, D.C.’s history. During Trump’s term, the National Guard was deployed to support city safety.