Pledge Issue in Sioux Falls Prompts Death Threats

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — Phone numbers for Sioux Falls School Board members have been removed from the school district's website in response to menacing calls and threats related to a recent decision regarding the Pledge of Allegiance.

The board decided that middle school students will be required to recite the pledge each day, but the mandate will not be expanded to high school students. The board cited the daily flurry of activity at that level.

The Argus Leader newspaper reports a group of veterans wanted the district to make the pledge mandatory in high schools as well, and national media coverage of the issue has brought a flurry of complaints.

Board member Todd Thoelke says he's received dozens of emails and phone calls, including some death threats, terrifying his family.

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