this does not require but only says there shall be conducted appropriate patriotic exercises. The giving of the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America shall satisfy the requirements of this section.
It empowers the bureaucrats to require, which is exactly what they do. Consequently, the law as enforced and interpreted by the relevant officials has the effect of requiring that teachers must recite the pledge, and the students must at least listen. Were this not so, you all would have no cause to be so upset, since the invalidation of a requirement that isn't really a requirement would be of no consequence...