Senator Ashley Moody’s Bill Aims to Enhance Patriotism in D.C. Schools

Florida Republican Senator Ashley Moody has put forward a legislative proposal targeting the public school system in Washington, D.C., to encourage a stronger sense of patriotism. According to Fox News Digital, the initiative, known as the PLEDGE Act, would mandate the display of the American flag in classrooms and provide students with daily opportunities to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

Moody’s press release criticizes certain schools in the nation’s capital for not showcasing the flag or allocating time for the Pledge while teaching students activism. 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, stated Moody.

Currently, over 40 states have their own requirements for the Pledge in schools. However, the capital lacks such mandates. Moody emphasizes the PLEDGE Act’s role in helping to instill national pride, reminding students of the freedoms, responsibilities, and sacrifices associated with the nation’s flag.

The bill’s introduction coincides with Washington, D.C.’s mayoral race, where socialist candidate Janeese Lewis George leads. The growing influence of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) movement has sparked debates over national pride. The DSA advocates for replacing capitalism with social ownership and making constitutional changes such as dismantling the Electoral College and granting noncitizens voting rights.

Concerningly, a June 2025 Gallup poll reveals that only 41% of Generation Z feel extremely or very proud to be American. In contrast, 58% of U.S. adults express the same feelings, marking the lowest recorded level of national pride since 2001.

Critics point out that the DC Public Schools (DCPS) curriculum emphasizes progressive politics. It covers topics like the contributions of Harvey Milk and the LGBTQ+ community in shaping the district. For instance, fifth-grade students analyze the rise of queer culture during the Black Renaissance and the experiences of LGBTQ+ veterans after World War II.

During President Donald Trump’s second term, efforts were made to restore patriotic symbols in D.C., including installing large American flags at the White House and removing the Black Lives Matter mural near the residence.

Washington, D.C., remains a focal point for political demonstrations. During Trump’s term, the National Guard was deployed to enhance security in the city. Fox News Digital has contacted DCPS for their comments on the matter.