First, I would like to talk about the history of the Pledge of Allegiance. Many people today recite the Pledge of Allegiance but do not know the history that took place behind it. The Pledge of Allegiance was originally written more than a century ago. The original pledge was: I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic, for which it stands, one Nation, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all . The flag serves as a symbol of our country and its proud traditions of freedom and equal opportunity. In the 1920s, the National Flag Conferences replaced the phrase “my Flag” with “the Flag of the United States of America.” In 1954, Communist threats occurred causing Congress to add the words under God to the pledge. Then 12 years later, Congress reviewed the Pledge of Allegiance and added the words “Under God .” While reciting the Pledge of Allegiance it should be recited by standing placing your …show more content…
The case Elk Grove Unified School District versus Newdow came about when a student parent, Michael Newdow, an atheist, has a disagreement with the Pledge of Allegiance. Elk Grove Unified School District is a public elementary school where teachers begin the day by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, but it is considering being voluntary. Under California law, all elementary schools must recite the Pledge of Allegiance once a day unless those student object due to their religion. As stated before, in 1954 the Congressional Act added the words “under God” to the Pledge of Allegiance. Michael Newdow took it upon himself to review the School District policy referring to the religious portion. This caused Michael Newdow to sue in the federal district court in California, stating making students listen to the Pledge of Allegiance, even if the students do not choose to participate to the word “under God” violates the establishment clause of the United States Constitution’s First Amendment
In the 2008 the United States Census Bureau, Self-Described Religious Identification of Adult Population, The Christian faith proved to be the more dominating religion out of all religions. So it would seem the words “Under God” would be beneficial for the majority, the Pledge of Allegiance allures and supports the loyalty of the majority of citizens. The nonbelievers of religion have had the right to not recite the pledge since 1943 but have been asked to quietly stand while the believers recite the pledge in its entirety. Even though leaving out “Under God” is not a difficult task we can clearly see a division has now developed, opposite of bringing the people together. Another example that shows the pledge allures and supports a loyalty to the majority of citizens, the acceptance and encouragement to keep ...
A popular notion among many religious conservatives is the rejection of what is commonly referred to as the separation between church and state. They maintain the United States was founded by leaders who endorsed Christian principles as the cornerstone of American democracy, and that the First Amendment prohibition against government establishment was not intended to remove religion from public life. As a result, a number of disputes have made their way through to the courts, pitting those ready to defend the wall of separation, against those who would tear it down. Two recent cases have brought this battle to the forefront of political debate. The first involves an Alabama Supreme Court justice, who, in defiance of a Federal judge, fought the removal of a granite display of the Ten Commandments from the rotunda of the state courthouse. Also, a California man has challenged the constitutionality of the phrase “under God” in an upcoming Supreme Court case involving student recitation of the pledge of allegiance.
Separation of church and state is an issue in the forefront of people’s minds as some fight for their religious freedoms while others fight for their right to not be subjected to the religious beliefs of anybody else. Because public schools are government agencies they must operate under the same guidelines as any other government entity when it comes to religious expression and support, meaning they cannot endorse any specific religion nor can they encourage or require any religious practice. This issue becomes complicated when students exercise their right to free speech by expressing their religious beliefs in a school setting. An examination of First Amendment legal issues that arise when a student submits an essay and drawing of a religious
The case Engel v. Vitale in 1962 decided that school prayer is unconstitutional. With this case, it was pointed out that the students were to "voluntarily" recite the following prayer: "Almighty God, we acknowledge our dependence upon Thee, and we beg Thy blessings upon us, our parents, our teachers, and our country." The court ruled that this rule was unconstitutional according to the First Amendment's "establishment clause," which states "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion."
In war-torn, impoverished, and communist countries, America is a symbol for freedom. In America, our flag that waves red, white, and blue, is a symbol for our freedom. The Pledge of Allegiance begins with the words, "I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands..." This republic form of government is what grants Americans freedom: the power is invested in the people, and the government is responsible for protecting the rights of the people. A republic can only prevail if the citizens understand and properly practice the responsibilities that such power entrusts with them. For example, the first amendment of the Constitution protects freedom of speech; this liberty is meant for good, but can easily be abused. My responsibility is to use my constitutional rights for good, however, issues concerning responsibility seldom have just one correct solution.
The Pledge of Allegiance should be a pledge that represents anyone and people should be able to say it proudly. The Pledge of Allegiance was written in hope that citizens in any country would use it, but the Pledge of Allegiance was altered
In 1971 in Mobile County Alabama the School Board created a state statute that set aside time at the beginning of each day for silent ’meditation’ (statute 6-1-20), and in 1981 they added another statute 16-1-20.1 which set aside a minute for ‘silent prayer’ as well. In addition to these, in 1982 the Mobile County School Board enacted statute 16-1-20.2, which specified a prayer that teachers could lead ‘willing’ students in “From henceforth, any teacher or professor in any public educational institution within the State of Alabama, recognizing that the Lord God is one, at the beginning of any homeroom or any class, may pray, may lead willing students in prayer, or may lead the willing students in the following prayer to God… “ (Jaffree By and Through Jaffree v. James). Ishmael Jaffree was the father of three students, Jamael Aakki Jaffree, Makeba Green, and Chioke Saleem Jaffree, who attended a school in Mobile County Alabama. Jaffree complained that his children had been pressured into participating in religious activities by their teachers and their peers, and that he had requested that these activities stopped. When the school did nothing about Jaffree’s complaints he filed an official complaint with the Mobile County School Board through the United States District Courts. The original complaint never mentioned the three state statutes that involved school prayer. However, on June 4, 1982 Jaffree changed his complaint. He now wanted to challenge the constitutionality of statutes 16-1-20, 16-1-20.1 and 16-1-20.2, and motioned for a preliminary injunction. The argument against these state laws was that they were an infringement of the Establishment Clause within the First Amendment of the Constitution, which states that Congr...
The USSR was considered to be the evil, atheistic, and horrible villain of the 20th century. It would make sense for us, as Americans, to want to distance ourselves from them as much as possible. This includes defying them by adding the famous words “Under God” to the Pledge of Allegiance . Our 1st amendment rights were being violated and continue to be violated because of a rivalry between countries that started over 70 years ago. The Pledge of Allegiance violates our rights and defies the principles of our country.
"I pledge allegiance, to the flag, of the United States of America, and to the Republic, for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." Sounds familiar right? A typical weekday morning for an elementary or middle school child most likely begins with him or her reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance. The pledge was created to convey America’s constitutional power and loyalty. Congress included the phrase "under God" to the pledge in the early 1950s.
The Pledge of Allegiance, we all know it, something Americans say at sporting events, in our schools, and in many other social gatherings all across the United States. However, there is one part of it that I am here to challenge and that is the statement of “under God”. I believe that this statement is unnecessary and somewhat hypocritical when it comes to the United States, especially when our country is composed of such a diverse population of people, some of whom do not believe or have any affiliation with God. In a time where equality issues are so important one
The Pledge of Allegiance has become a major issue for students, teachers, parents and lawmakers. The original intention of the pledge was not to stir up trouble, but for a celebration of Christopher Columbus discovery of the new world. The pledge is no longer thought of as a celebration, but an infringement on children's religious beliefs. Do you believe that children's rights are being infringed on? Some people believe that the pledge is a great honor for our country. It has shown, and provided us with great pride just like our American flag. The Pledge of Allegiance being recited in the public school system does not infringe on the students religious beliefs, but is a way for us to honor our country and everything that we have done to get to this point in history.
Before analyzing the above described controversy, we must first examine the history of the Pledge itself. Written by Francis Bellamy, it was originally titled the “Pledge to the Flag” and was created in the late 1800’s to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the discovery of America. It originally read: “I pledge allegiance to my Flag and to the republic for which it stands, one Nation, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all” (McCarthy, 2005). Changes were later made to include the words “of the United States” and “of America” to indicate which flag was being referenced. The final changes to the Pledge came in 1954 when it officially became titled the “Pledge of Allegiance” and the words “under God” were added after “one nation.” This addition to the Pledge was meant to support the United States as a religious nation. While signing the law to put this change into effect, President Eisenhower said, “In this way we shall constantly strengthen those spiritual weapons which forever will be our country’s most powerful resource in peace and war” (McCarthy, 2005).
Prohibiting School Prayer Threatens Religious Liberty. Civil Liberties. Ed. James D. Torr. -. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 2003.
Why would they put religoin in the pledge if everyone does not worship the same “God”? Some people may have more then one God or may not have a god at all, so if they took religoin out of school why do we still say the pledge? The words “under God” were added long after the pledge was written in 1954. It’s true people do not have to say “under god” while saying the pledge. However, it is our right not to be required to say the pledge at all. According to Longmen “Any one who is uncomfortable with saying ‘under God’ does not have to utter the phrase.” Not saying “under God” is not invidious to God or anyone that contradict in God they just have their own belief. That is just to elucidate to the people that do not understand why people want to take the words “under God” out of the pledge. Everyone has the right to disagree with showing pride in the flag because they may have other beliefs. Kaepernick told Steve Wyche of NFL Miedia, “ To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way” (florio). Some people think the reason why people are juust laying on the cold stress id becausse of the police. Some people say “At the basketball game said that a sporting event was no place for the pledge” (Longmen). Its true because you can be patriotic, respectful and loyal without saying the pledge. However, you should try to show other people more respect by not conversing nor ambulating around while they are saying the
I remember it clear as day; it was the fall of 1986, laying out my best dress the night before and feeling the excitement of having the chance to ride the big yellow cheese. Once morning came, my mother burst into my bedroom saying "Time to wake up! Today is the day to be a big girl!" Clearly, not paying any mind to the words "big girl" my central focus was on riding the bus. Finally mother and I walked to the end our street; standing on the corner as if we were lost. I noticed more people coming to the corner with kids and I started to get nervous. Just because they were strangers to me. The bus finally arrived, by that time my heart dropped to my toes. My mother pushing me on, but without her by my side. I was petrified, not knowing anyone, feeling alone and when was the next time I would see mother again. The big yellow dream that revolved into a nightmare finally stopped at an enormous building that was bursting with kids at the domicile, making my nerves even worse. There were teachers' who helped us to our classroom; so they called it. As we settled into our desks, the teacher brought our attention to the front corner of the classroom where an American Flag hung. She said that we were going to learn some very important words. In fact, they are so important that we will start everyday with these words. These words we would share and we would stand proud together as one. The words that the teacher taught us were the Pledge of Allegiance. As we said the words together for the first time, my nervousness' went away. We all were fitting in, not because we all messed up the words but because we were sharing a love for our fatherland and we were unified. However, in today's schools the Pledge is occasionally left out of the classroo...