YPSILANTI, Mich. (Michigan News Source) — The Ypsilanti City Council officially voted to remove the Pledge of Allegiance from the agenda of its regular meetings.
The decision, led by Councilmember Desirae Simmons, came after initial discussions at an organizational meeting last week, according to WEMU News. The council delayed a formal vote until Dec. 3, ultimately passing the measure with only one dissenting vote.
MORE NEWS: East Lansing Police Investigating Young Man’s Death
Simmons said that the pledge was unnecessary and did not align with her personal values.
“I know I don’t feel comfortable pledging allegiance to a flag,” Simmons said. “I wanted to bring it up as a formal change to our agenda.”
Mayor Nicole Brown has suggested introducing a moment of silence, reflection, or other grounding practices as a replacement for the pledge.
Councilmember Roland Tooson, who cast the lone vote against the measure, said the change was unnecessary.
“If individuals don’t want to say it, then they don’t have to. Anyone who doesn’t want to say it can take the stance not to participate.”
Leave a Comment
COMMENTS POLICY: We have no tolerance for messages of violence, racism, vulgarity, obscenity or other such discourteous behavior. Thank you for contributing to a respectful and useful online dialogue.