In his latest column, Charles Haynes predicts that while the phrase "Under God" is not going anywhere – thanks to a recent decision by the 9th Circuit – controversy and conflict over the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance aren't likely to disappear either. He concludes:
[T]he fight over what gets recited in classrooms is far from over. As America’s diversity continues to expand, growing numbers of students and parents who love their country will be compelled to opt out of a patriotic exercise that defines the nation in ways contrary to their conscience.
I’ve never been convinced that rote recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, with or without “under God,” does very much to prepare young people for effective, engaged citizenship. But if public schools are going to require a patriotic exercise, then maybe we should find one that unites rather than divides — and includes rather than excludes — citizens of all faiths and none.
Is this really true? Do you expect greater and greater waves of "opting out" of the Pledge to start the school day? I don't remember reading many stories of controversies like this, but maybe it's all done quietly. Can I get any testimonials from current teachers, or folks that may have attended grade school, ahem, a little more recently than I? Is this a significant or even noticeable phenomenon?
My instinct is that we have many more pressing religious liberty concerns causing division in our schools, from subtle to direct promotion of religion by school officials. Do the number of Pledge protests compete? If you have an informed perspective, drop me a line: [email protected]
