Last year, a Wayzata School Board member proposed a seemingly simple motion: start their meetings with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Fast forward seven months later, and the seven-member board is still tangled in a debate, struggling to even vote on the matter.
The motion, first introduced by board member Valentina Eyres in June 2024, set to establish the tradition of reciting the pledge at every regular meeting. Eyres, a Russian immigrant who became an American citizen in 2008, advocated for the change.
“The Pledge of Allegiance brings a sense of value and belonging to the country. There is a reason why so many people would like to come to this country—that’s the beauty of this country—freedom,” said Eyres during a school board meeting last week, emphasizing that those who prefer not to recite the pledge have the freedom to remain silent.
Wayzata School Board member Milind Sohoni echoed that sentiment, saying, “Anyone who does not wish to participate in the reciting of the pledge for any personal reasons may elect not to do so.”
Board members raise equity concerns
Despite Eyres’ efforts, the proposal to vote on the pledge has encountered resistance from some of her fellow board members who say they aren’t ready to decide—and that any decision they do make should go through the board’s committees first.
“We don’t make decisions because of one person’s values or what they want to do, [but] how it’s going to move the needle or support our strategic roadmap and our equity commitment and our strategic directions,” said board member Sarah Johansen.
“It’s not about deciding if we like the pledge or not. It’s about making alignment with our committees and having time to talk about it [with] stakeholders, and talk about it in teaching and learning, and talk about it in DEI,” she said.
Board member Heidi Kader also emphasized the need for additional committee discussions, saying that delaying the vote is intended to bring meaningful consideration for the “people who the pledge really means something to.”
“Out of respect for the pledge, I want to do this in the right way,” she said.
But Sohoni, who is the school board chair, expressed his frustration with the repeated delays on the vote.
“It’s just a Pledge of Allegiance … we are kicking the can down the road—how long will this be kicked?” he asked, stressing that the matter is not something for administrative involvement.
“I have heard repeatedly that this is a [school] board action … and not something that the administration wants to get involved with,” stated Sohoni.
Eyres questioned the example being set for students who already recite the pledge regularly.
According to Minnesota state statutes, students in public and charter schools are required to recite the Pledge of Allegiance at least once a week. In the Wayzata School District, students have the option to opt out of the pledge.
The Wayzata School Board ultimately voted 4-3 to postpone the decision to vote on reciting the Pledge of Allegiance until their next meeting on Feb. 10.
Jenna Gloeb
Jenna Gloeb is an Edward R. Murrow Award-winning journalist, media producer, public speaker, and screenwriter. Most recently, she worked as a reporter and on-air host for CCX Media. Jenna is a Minnesota native and resides in the Twin Cities with her husband, son, daughter, and two dogs.
