You do realize fixing the water supply doesn’t address the health issues caused from lead exposure automatically, Right? The water supply may be better comparatively. But the issues that it causes in Flint, Michigan are far from resolved.
Legally, schools and teachers can’t force a student to perform the pledge of allegiance. But it’s also taught so early in school that most students don’t even question it as something to do.
Anectdotally: I was regularly performing the pledge of allegiance (literally said every morning of school) since kindergarten in the US. Also anecdotally: I’ve literally seen a teacher scold student(s) for not performing the pledge of allegiance. The latter case may not be as common; but the former definitely is common in the US.
You’re being pedantic. The original point is referring to how indoctrinating the pledge of allegiance can be. If you’re being made to do something since you’re a very young kid and risk being scolded when you don’t do it: you’re essentially being forced.