PORT HASTINGS, N.S. - The playing of the national anthem in the Strait Regional School Board in Nova Scotia may soon be a mandatory policy.
The board passed a new test policy governing the playing of the anthem at a meeting Wednesday night.
Board chair Mary Jess MacDonald says the test policy only reflects what is already common practice in the schools.
The proposed policy requires the national anthem to be played at the start of each school day and at special events.
Students will be able to opt out of observing the anthem with the written permission of a parent or guardian - if the request provides a reason deemed valid by the school's principal.
The policy will be open to public input for a three-week period before coming to the board as an official motion as early as next month.
