Should a Teacher be required to Say the pledge

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If the children are required to say it, the teacher should say it as well. That's just basic respect. This idea that "I don't have to follow rules if I don't agree with them" is infecting our culture. My family members served in the military. They didn't agree with many of the rules, but you can't have everyone making it up as they go along. Following rules is what makes us civilized. The teacher is entitled to free speech, but not at school where the rules require saying the pledge, unless you've taken a (real) religious exemption.

ITA. I don't think that the Pledge of Allegiance is even religious. If someone doesn't want to say "under God" then they don't have to say those two words.

It is religious as long at "under God" is in the pledge regardless if someone doesn't say those two words- they are still in the pledge.

I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America (not religious)

and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation (not religious)

under God (the only religious words - don't say them if you don't want to)

indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. (not religious)


Teaching our public school kids in this country is a privilege, not a right. And, yes, if you are going to be teaching in a United States school then you should absolutely be a loyal American whose allegiance is to the United States of America and who believes in liberty and justice for all citizens in this country.

I really don't want someone with an allegiance to England (or wherever else) teaching my kids while secretly hoping that the kids in "their" country learn more than mine do. That would be a pretty big conflict of interest.

Jehovah's Witnesses, for one group, don't pledge because their allegiance/loyalty is to God, not a country. They, and others, have the right not to say it.

The right has nothing to do with teaching, but instead with our Constitution. At any gathering where the pledge is said, people have the right not to say it (nor honestly even to stand), but they should be respectful of those that are saying it.

We aren't talking about any random gathering of people - like a ballgame for instance where a few opt not to say the pledge. Whatever.

To me the Pledge of Allegiance is a pledge of loyalty to our country. You can believe in God (or not) and still pledge loyalty to this country.

Again, in the above example, Jehovah's Witnesses have the right not to say the pledge. I have known teachers who are Jehovah's witnesses, and they have stepped out into the hallway, and someone else comes into the room to lead the pledge.

Anywhere the pledge is said, a classroom, a ball game etc. the Constitution prevails, not your notion of what it means to pledge allegiance.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Well, my God is different than your God. Just saying...

And? The Pledge of Allegiance is not religious. Take out the mention of God (two words) if you want. But loyalty and allegiance to this country is, or at least should be, a minimum requirement for teaching in our public schools.

Do you allow dissent in your view of loyalty and allegiance?

Well, in this case we are talking specifically about the Pledge of Allegiance spoken by teachers in a classroom setting. Since the job of a teacher is to provide academic instruction to our children, I would expect that the teacher would be dedicated to providing the best instruction possible in order that our American children have the brightest possible futures.

Context is important.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If the children are required to say it, the teacher should say it as well. That's just basic respect. This idea that "I don't have to follow rules if I don't agree with them" is infecting our culture. My family members served in the military. They didn't agree with many of the rules, but you can't have everyone making it up as they go along. Following rules is what makes us civilized. The teacher is entitled to free speech, but not at school where the rules require saying the pledge, unless you've taken a (real) religious exemption.

ITA. I don't think that the Pledge of Allegiance is even religious. If someone doesn't want to say "under God" then they don't have to say those two words.

Jehovah's Witnesses and several other groups consider the pledge idolatry.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If the children are required to say it, the teacher should say it as well. That's just basic respect. This idea that "I don't have to follow rules if I don't agree with them" is infecting our culture. My family members served in the military. They didn't agree with many of the rules, but you can't have everyone making it up as they go along. Following rules is what makes us civilized. The teacher is entitled to free speech, but not at school where the rules require saying the pledge, unless you've taken a (real) religious exemption.

ITA. I don't think that the Pledge of Allegiance is even religious. If someone doesn't want to say "under God" then they don't have to say those two words.

It is religious as long at "under God" is in the pledge regardless if someone doesn't say those two words- they are still in the pledge.

I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America (not religious)

and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation (not religious)

under God (the only religious words - don't say them if you don't want to)

indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. (not religious)


Teaching our public school kids in this country is a privilege, not a right. And, yes, if you are going to be teaching in a United States school then you should absolutely be a loyal American whose allegiance is to the United States of America and who believes in liberty and justice for all citizens in this country.

I really don't want someone with an allegiance to England (or wherever else) teaching my kids while secretly hoping that the kids in "their" country learn more than mine do. That would be a pretty big conflict of interest.

Jehovah's Witnesses, for one group, don't pledge because their allegiance/loyalty is to God, not a country. They, and others, have the right not to say it.

The right has nothing to do with teaching, but instead with our Constitution. At any gathering where the pledge is said, people have the right not to say it (nor honestly even to stand), but they should be respectful of those that are saying it.

We aren't talking about any random gathering of people - like a ballgame for instance where a few opt not to say the pledge. Whatever.

To me the Pledge of Allegiance is a pledge of loyalty to our country. You can believe in God (or not) and still pledge loyalty to this country.

Technically the opposite is true. A private sports stadium could require all visitors to stand during the pledge or participate in the pledge. However, in a government school this is not the case (so says the Supreme Court) because: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If the children are required to say it, the teacher should say it as well. That's just basic respect. This idea that "I don't have to follow rules if I don't agree with them" is infecting our culture. My family members served in the military. They didn't agree with many of the rules, but you can't have everyone making it up as they go along. Following rules is what makes us civilized. The teacher is entitled to free speech, but not at school where the rules require saying the pledge, unless you've taken a (real) religious exemption.

ITA. I don't think that the Pledge of Allegiance is even religious. If someone doesn't want to say "under God" then they don't have to say those two words.

It is religious as long at "under God" is in the pledge regardless if someone doesn't say those two words- they are still in the pledge.

I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America (not religious)

and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation (not religious)

under God (the only religious words - don't say them if you don't want to)

indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. (not religious)


Teaching our public school kids in this country is a privilege, not a right. And, yes, if you are going to be teaching in a United States school then you should absolutely be a loyal American whose allegiance is to the United States of America and who believes in liberty and justice for all citizens in this country.

I really don't want someone with an allegiance to England (or wherever else) teaching my kids while secretly hoping that the kids in "their" country learn more than mine do. That would be a pretty big conflict of interest.

Jehovah's Witnesses, for one group, don't pledge because their allegiance/loyalty is to God, not a country. They, and others, have the right not to say it.

The right has nothing to do with teaching, but instead with our Constitution. At any gathering where the pledge is said, people have the right not to say it (nor honestly even to stand), but they should be respectful of those that are saying it.

We aren't talking about any random gathering of people - like a ballgame for instance where a few opt not to say the pledge. Whatever.

To me the Pledge of Allegiance is a pledge of loyalty to our country. You can believe in God (or not) and still pledge loyalty to this country.

Again, in the above example, Jehovah's Witnesses have the right not to say the pledge. I have known teachers who are Jehovah's witnesses, and they have stepped out into the hallway, and someone else comes into the room to lead the pledge.

Anywhere the pledge is said, a classroom, a ball game etc. the Constitution prevails, not your notion of what it means to pledge allegiance.

I had honestly never heard that about Jehovah's witnesses. So I am unfamiliar with the grounds of their religious objection to saying the pledge of allegiance.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If the children are required to say it, the teacher should say it as well. That's just basic respect. This idea that "I don't have to follow rules if I don't agree with them" is infecting our culture. My family members served in the military. They didn't agree with many of the rules, but you can't have everyone making it up as they go along. Following rules is what makes us civilized. The teacher is entitled to free speech, but not at school where the rules require saying the pledge, unless you've taken a (real) religious exemption.

ITA. I don't think that the Pledge of Allegiance is even religious. If someone doesn't want to say "under God" then they don't have to say those two words.

It is religious as long at "under God" is in the pledge regardless if someone doesn't say those two words- they are still in the pledge.

I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America (not religious)

and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation (not religious)

under God (the only religious words - don't say them if you don't want to)

indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. (not religious)


Teaching our public school kids in this country is a privilege, not a right. And, yes, if you are going to be teaching in a United States school then you should absolutely be a loyal American whose allegiance is to the United States of America and who believes in liberty and justice for all citizens in this country.

I really don't want someone with an allegiance to England (or wherever else) teaching my kids while secretly hoping that the kids in "their" country learn more than mine do. That would be a pretty big conflict of interest.

Jehovah's Witnesses, for one group, don't pledge because their allegiance/loyalty is to God, not a country. They, and others, have the right not to say it.

The right has nothing to do with teaching, but instead with our Constitution. At any gathering where the pledge is said, people have the right not to say it (nor honestly even to stand), but they should be respectful of those that are saying it.

We aren't talking about any random gathering of people - like a ballgame for instance where a few opt not to say the pledge. Whatever.

To me the Pledge of Allegiance is a pledge of loyalty to our country. You can believe in God (or not) and still pledge loyalty to this country.

Again, in the above example, Jehovah's Witnesses have the right not to say the pledge. I have known teachers who are Jehovah's witnesses, and they have stepped out into the hallway, and someone else comes into the room to lead the pledge.

Anywhere the pledge is said, a classroom, a ball game etc. the Constitution prevails, not your notion of what it means to pledge allegiance.

I had honestly never heard that about Jehovah's witnesses. So I am unfamiliar with the grounds of their religious objection to saying the pledge of allegiance.

I mean - I had heard of them but I had never heard that they don't say the Pledge of Allegiance.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If the children are required to say it, the teacher should say it as well. That's just basic respect. This idea that "I don't have to follow rules if I don't agree with them" is infecting our culture. My family members served in the military. They didn't agree with many of the rules, but you can't have everyone making it up as they go along. Following rules is what makes us civilized. The teacher is entitled to free speech, but not at school where the rules require saying the pledge, unless you've taken a (real) religious exemption.

ITA. I don't think that the Pledge of Allegiance is even religious. If someone doesn't want to say "under God" then they don't have to say those two words.

It is religious as long at "under God" is in the pledge regardless if someone doesn't say those two words- they are still in the pledge.

I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America (not religious)

and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation (not religious)

under God (the only religious words - don't say them if you don't want to)

indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. (not religious)


Teaching our public school kids in this country is a privilege, not a right. And, yes, if you are going to be teaching in a United States school then you should absolutely be a loyal American whose allegiance is to the United States of America and who believes in liberty and justice for all citizens in this country.

I really don't want someone with an allegiance to England (or wherever else) teaching my kids while secretly hoping that the kids in "their" country learn more than mine do. That would be a pretty big conflict of interest.

Jehovah's Witnesses, for one group, don't pledge because their allegiance/loyalty is to God, not a country. They, and others, have the right not to say it.

The right has nothing to do with teaching, but instead with our Constitution. At any gathering where the pledge is said, people have the right not to say it (nor honestly even to stand), but they should be respectful of those that are saying it.

We aren't talking about any random gathering of people - like a ballgame for instance where a few opt not to say the pledge. Whatever.

To me the Pledge of Allegiance is a pledge of loyalty to our country. You can believe in God (or not) and still pledge loyalty to this country.

Technically the opposite is true. A private sports stadium could require all visitors to stand during the pledge or participate in the pledge. However, in a government school this is not the case (so says the Supreme Court) because: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances."

And this is how we'll wind up with public schools filled with teachers from other countries. U.S. teachers will be scrambling for restaurant and retail jobs.

Our common sense has flown out the window.

[Anonymous]

If you start every school day with a debate about the pledge and the rights of Americans then no teaching or learning is going to happen and you will soon have a classroom of pupils who refuse to pledge, sit, take tests... I had several college professors who would let lectures devolve into this sort of nonsense. Very little knowledge was imparted.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you start every school day with a debate about the pledge and the rights of Americans then no teaching or learning is going to happen and you will soon have a classroom of pupils who refuse to pledge, sit, take tests... I had several college professors who would let lectures devolve into this sort of nonsense. Very little knowledge was imparted.

This is such bull though. I said the pledge every day in school growing up. It was a standard start to the school day. There may have been some kids who didn't say the pledge but no one was dramatic about not saying it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If the children are required to say it, the teacher should say it as well. That's just basic respect. This idea that "I don't have to follow rules if I don't agree with them" is infecting our culture. My family members served in the military. They didn't agree with many of the rules, but you can't have everyone making it up as they go along. Following rules is what makes us civilized. The teacher is entitled to free speech, but not at school where the rules require saying the pledge, unless you've taken a (real) religious exemption.

ITA. I don't think that the Pledge of Allegiance is even religious. If someone doesn't want to say "under God" then they don't have to say those two words.

It is religious as long at "under God" is in the pledge regardless if someone doesn't say those two words- they are still in the pledge.

I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America (not religious)

and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation (not religious)

under God (the only religious words - don't say them if you don't want to)

indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. (not religious)


Teaching our public school kids in this country is a privilege, not a right. And, yes, if you are going to be teaching in a United States school then you should absolutely be a loyal American whose allegiance is to the United States of America and who believes in liberty and justice for all citizens in this country.

I really don't want someone with an allegiance to England (or wherever else) teaching my kids while secretly hoping that the kids in "their" country learn more than mine do. That would be a pretty big conflict of interest.

Wow... Just wow... Make American great again, right?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If the children are required to say it, the teacher should say it as well. That's just basic respect. This idea that "I don't have to follow rules if I don't agree with them" is infecting our culture. My family members served in the military. They didn't agree with many of the rules, but you can't have everyone making it up as they go along. Following rules is what makes us civilized. The teacher is entitled to free speech, but not at school where the rules require saying the pledge, unless you've taken a (real) religious exemption.

ITA. I don't think that the Pledge of Allegiance is even religious. If someone doesn't want to say "under God" then they don't have to say those two words.

It is religious as long at "under God" is in the pledge regardless if someone doesn't say those two words- they are still in the pledge.

I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America (not religious)

and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation (not religious)

under God (the only religious words - don't say them if you don't want to)

indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. (not religious)


Teaching our public school kids in this country is a privilege, not a right. And, yes, if you are going to be teaching in a United States school then you should absolutely be a loyal American whose allegiance is to the United States of America and who believes in liberty and justice for all citizens in this country.

I really don't want someone with an allegiance to England (or wherever else) teaching my kids while secretly hoping that the kids in "their" country learn more than mine do. That would be a pretty big conflict of interest.

Jehovah's Witnesses, for one group, don't pledge because their allegiance/loyalty is to God, not a country. They, and others, have the right not to say it.

The right has nothing to do with teaching, but instead with our Constitution. At any gathering where the pledge is said, people have the right not to say it (nor honestly even to stand), but they should be respectful of those that are saying it.

We aren't talking about any random gathering of people - like a ballgame for instance where a few opt not to say the pledge. Whatever.

To me the Pledge of Allegiance is a pledge of loyalty to our country. You can believe in God (or not) and still pledge loyalty to this country.

Technically the opposite is true. A private sports stadium could require all visitors to stand during the pledge or participate in the pledge. However, in a government school this is not the case (so says the Supreme Court) because: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances."

And this is how we'll wind up with public schools filled with teachers from other countries. U.S. teachers will be scrambling for restaurant and retail jobs.

Our common sense has flown out the window.

Why will US teachers be scrambling for retail jobs?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If the children are required to say it, the teacher should say it as well. That's just basic respect. This idea that "I don't have to follow rules if I don't agree with them" is infecting our culture. My family members served in the military. They didn't agree with many of the rules, but you can't have everyone making it up as they go along. Following rules is what makes us civilized. The teacher is entitled to free speech, but not at school where the rules require saying the pledge, unless you've taken a (real) religious exemption.

ITA. I don't think that the Pledge of Allegiance is even religious. If someone doesn't want to say "under God" then they don't have to say those two words.

It is religious as long at "under God" is in the pledge regardless if someone doesn't say those two words- they are still in the pledge.

I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America (not religious)

and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation (not religious)

under God (the only religious words - don't say them if you don't want to)

indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. (not religious)


Teaching our public school kids in this country is a privilege, not a right. And, yes, if you are going to be teaching in a United States school then you should absolutely be a loyal American whose allegiance is to the United States of America and who believes in liberty and justice for all citizens in this country.

I really don't want someone with an allegiance to England (or wherever else) teaching my kids while secretly hoping that the kids in "their" country learn more than mine do. That would be a pretty big conflict of interest.

Jehovah's Witnesses, for one group, don't pledge because their allegiance/loyalty is to God, not a country. They, and others, have the right not to say it.

The right has nothing to do with teaching, but instead with our Constitution. At any gathering where the pledge is said, people have the right not to say it (nor honestly even to stand), but they should be respectful of those that are saying it.

We aren't talking about any random gathering of people - like a ballgame for instance where a few opt not to say the pledge. Whatever.

To me the Pledge of Allegiance is a pledge of loyalty to our country. You can believe in God (or not) and still pledge loyalty to this country.

Technically the opposite is true. A private sports stadium could require all visitors to stand during the pledge or participate in the pledge. However, in a government school this is not the case (so says the Supreme Court) because: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances."

And this is how we'll wind up with public schools filled with teachers from other countries. U.S. teachers will be scrambling for restaurant and retail jobs.

Our common sense has flown out the window.

LOL, if you believe this than yes, common sense has flown out the window. It has been this way for decades, and and our public schools aren't filled with teachers "from other countries" I truly can't fathom the logic behind your fears.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you start every school day with a debate about the pledge and the rights of Americans then no teaching or learning is going to happen and you will soon have a classroom of pupils who refuse to pledge, sit, take tests... I had several college professors who would let lectures devolve into this sort of nonsense. Very little knowledge was imparted.

No one starts every school day with debates about the pledge lol. Those not saying it, do so quietly and don't get dramatic.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If the children are required to say it, the teacher should say it as well. That's just basic respect. This idea that "I don't have to follow rules if I don't agree with them" is infecting our culture. My family members served in the military. They didn't agree with many of the rules, but you can't have everyone making it up as they go along. Following rules is what makes us civilized. The teacher is entitled to free speech, but not at school where the rules require saying the pledge, unless you've taken a (real) religious exemption.

ITA. I don't think that the Pledge of Allegiance is even religious. If someone doesn't want to say "under God" then they don't have to say those two words.

It is religious as long at "under God" is in the pledge regardless if someone doesn't say those two words- they are still in the pledge.

I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America (not religious)

and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation (not religious)

under God (the only religious words - don't say them if you don't want to)

indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. (not religious)


Teaching our public school kids in this country is a privilege, not a right. And, yes, if you are going to be teaching in a United States school then you should absolutely be a loyal American whose allegiance is to the United States of America and who believes in liberty and justice for all citizens in this country.

I really don't want someone with an allegiance to England (or wherever else) teaching my kids while secretly hoping that the kids in "their" country learn more than mine do. That would be a pretty big conflict of interest.

Jehovah's Witnesses, for one group, don't pledge because their allegiance/loyalty is to God, not a country. They, and others, have the right not to say it.

The right has nothing to do with teaching, but instead with our Constitution. At any gathering where the pledge is said, people have the right not to say it (nor honestly even to stand), but they should be respectful of those that are saying it.

We aren't talking about any random gathering of people - like a ballgame for instance where a few opt not to say the pledge. Whatever.

To me the Pledge of Allegiance is a pledge of loyalty to our country. You can believe in God (or not) and still pledge loyalty to this country.

Technically the opposite is true. A private sports stadium could require all visitors to stand during the pledge or participate in the pledge. However, in a government school this is not the case (so says the Supreme Court) because: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances."

And this is how we'll wind up with public schools filled with teachers from other countries. U.S. teachers will be scrambling for restaurant and retail jobs.

Our common sense has flown out the window.

LOL, if you believe this than yes, common sense has flown out the window. It has been this way for decades, and and our public schools aren't filled with teachers "from other countries" I truly can't fathom the logic behind your fears.

LoLs - back in the day American teenagers used to get jobs as summer lifeguards, too.

[Anonymous]

I dont have kids in school yet but I thought schools didnt say the pledge every morning anymore?