‘Pledge Of Allegiance’ Recited In Spanish At LCPS School

LAS CRUCES, NM – Students at Picacho Middle School say the Pledge of Allegiance in English one day and in Spanish the next day.

The practice has angered some of the student’s parents – who say it is an insult to their children. The pledge should only be said in English because that is the official language of the U.S., they say.

District officials tell ABC-7 the middle school is a dual language program and has been alternating between english and spanish for the pledge for the last five years.

Some school officials and other parents said they like the alternation because it gives students a realistic look at the diverse culture of the U.S.

“Spanish and English are probably the two most prominent languages that we have…so I think it’s important that we share that within our school. We’re still pledging allegiance to the United States, whether we say it in English or in Spanish,” said School Principal Mike Montoya.

“Around here most people speak in english, but since Spanish is becoming more and more popular, I do not have a problem with it,” said one parent. “I think it’s wonderful to repeat what they’re saying in the two languages so they have a true understanding of what they’re saying,” said another.

The state of New Mexico recognizes both English and Spanish equally as its primary language.