Forced to stand for pledge

[Anonymous]

My kid was forced to stand for the pledge of allegiance. Sigh

[Anonymous]

Illegal.

[Anonymous]

Public or private school?

[Anonymous]

They can stand in respect and not say it or put their hand over their heart.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Public or private school?

Public

[Anonymous]

What's wrong with a kid showing respect for his country?

[Anonymous]

I WISH more schools would require this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I WISH more schools would require this.

You don't see the irony of forcing someone to stand while they say "with liberty and justice for all"?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I WISH more schools would require this.

You don't see the irony of forcing someone to stand while they say "with liberty and justice for all"?

Exactly. It always amazes me how many people seem to care more about "respecting" the flag than they do about respecting what the flag is supposed to represent.

[Anonymous]

You should switch schools, OP.

[Anonymous]

I would complain to the school administration and point out that the Supreme Court of the United States ruled in West Virginia v. Barnette that students cannot be compelled to salute the flag or say the pledge of allegiance in public schools and that compelling a student to do so is illegal and a violation of the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. For the teacher who did this, let it be a teachable moment. OP, not that it matters, but are you prohibited by your religion from saluting the flag or saying the pledge? America is and should be the refuge for freedom of conscience.

[Anonymous]

Does anyone here feel that asking kids to stand and recite the pledge to our flag every day smacks a bit of fascism? Like... why do little kids need to swear allegiance every day before school? I love our country but I do think there’s big difference between patriotism and nationalism. And then, when they get older, we have these pep rallies where the kids all stamp their feet and chant and get revved up for the big game... ugh.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would complain to the school administration and point out that the Supreme Court of the United States ruled in West Virginia v. Barnette that students cannot be compelled to salute the flag or say the pledge of allegiance in public schools and that compelling a student to do so is illegal and a violation of the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. For the teacher who did this, let it be a teachable moment. OP, not that it matters, but are you prohibited by your religion from saluting the flag or saying the pledge? America is and should be the refuge for freedom of conscience.

+1, and sorry about the record number of useless comments on this thread. If you and your kid want this to be a teachable moment, I suggest having your kid get in touch with the ACLU and explaining what happened, and also reading the case above and writing a letter to the principal explaining what happened and why your kid believes it to be a violation of their rights.

[Anonymous]

I leave out “under god” when I recite the pledge.

[Anonymous]

I am a Citizen now but was born in a different country and have dual citizenship. I don't like saying the pledge of allegiance. However, when I am in a situation where it is being said I will stand up with everyone us and face the flag and stand quietly out of respect.
You should teach your child to do the same OP. You can be respectful without " saluting" or " pledging"