Should "under God" be included in the pledge of allegiance in public schools?

Rebecca (Yes)

The Pledge of Allegiance has been a part of American history since the early 1900’s, a staple in public school routines, and a salute to our nation. With the recent trends of political change and religious unrest, there is opposition to this religious phrase. Even with America as the great melting pot, the phrase “under God” should be left as a tribute to our nation’s foundation in theology and patriotism. 

America was founded on the belief of a higher power and a moral code to which we abide by as upstanding citizens. Although mostly of Christian religion, the founding fathers created the Declaration of Independence on the basis of morality. The influential document references “Nature’s God” and “their Creator” being of sound theological perspective, integrating that there is an authority that gives the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It is not necessarily Christian in foundation, but of a being that lifts the standards of life. This can be taken as a symbol of religious inclusivity for all Americans. 

The Pledge of Allegiance is a daily occurrence in public schools. For the benefit of a child, it is essential to learn the backstory of American history. To strip an original document of its history is a travesty to learning. Even though it is a part of the routine in public schools, a child can always opt out of reciting the words, or bringing another interpretation to their own religion. With the First Amendment, any child should be able to express their own faith as they see fit. With this in mind, there is no need to alter the Pledge of Allegiance. 

Rida (No)

The first use of the words “Under God” was in 1951 at internal meetings of the Knights of Columbus, one of the world’s largest catholic organizations. They lobbied to have it added to the official pledge and succeeded in 1954.

The Christian origin of these words proves its irrelevance to ALL Americans. These words effectively alienate Americans who believe in multiple gods, no God, or a God different from the Christian God. In fact, as children growing up with a different religion at home, having to say “Under God” every day can lead to a feeling of disenfranchisement.

There have been countless reports of bullying and social castration in cases where children have refused to say the pledge, so the argument of it being a choice is moot. Most public schools do not even indicate that the pledge is optional, so how would kids know any better?

Those who argue that the words “Under God” are patriotic should understand that “once patriotism becomes rote and unthinking, it’s not really patriotism — it’s robotic.” (Kent Greenfield, Boston College Law School).Do we need patriotism as a forced routine? Moreover, do we want children from different religious backgrounds to feel less patriotic than their Christian peers?

These words are often applauded as a homage to American history; however, most of history can and should be taught in classrooms without having to force words upon children.

In conclusion: “No child should go to school each day to have the class declare that her religious beliefs are wrong in an exercise that portrays her and her family as less patriotic than believers.” (David Noise, President of the American Humanist Association)