July 8, 1999

Linda LaRue
475 Peyton Street
Barboursville, West Virginia 25504

Dear Ms. LaRue:

The Office of the Governor forwarded to me your request concerning whether it is legal to say the Pledge of Allegiance in school. We appreciate your inquiry and wish to inform you that not only is it legal, but also codified in the West Virginia Code ?18-5-15b which provides that the Pledge of Allegiance be said at the beginning of the school day. I am providing a copy of the statutory provision for your information.

Again, please accept our thanks for your inquiry. Hoping that I have been of service, I am

Sincerely,

/s/

Henry Marockie
State Superintendent of Schools

HM/mp

c: Cynthia Shaffer, Governor?s Office