The Pledge of Allegiance and Public School Recitation
According to Martin 2008, the Pledge of Allegiance was initially Francis Bellamy’s Pledge, written in 1892. It read, “I pledge allegiance to my flag and to the Republic for which it stands —one Nation indivisible—with Liberty and Justice for all.” Afterwards, he read the Pledge to his boss, James Upham, who responded by” gave the flag a military-style salute, and, beginning at the words “my flag” until the end of the Pledge, Upham extends his right arm toward the flag with his palm down” (Martin, 2008). As the Pledge of Allegiance gained popularity, changes were made to the Pledge to personalize it to the US. Finally, it reads, “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” (The Pledge of Allegiance, 2021). Accordingly, people started reciting it, and it was also recited in public schools at the start of the day, though some of the students were unfamiliar with the meaning of the Pledge. Moreover, the phrase “under God” created disputes due to the different religions practised by citizens. Therefore, the Pledge of Allegiance is met with some controversies, and its recitation in public schools raises questions.
According to Bomboy 2021, the Supreme Court has handled a couple of cases against the Pledge of Allegiance, including the cases Elk Grove Unified School District v. Newdow and Jane Doe v. Acton-Boxborogh Regional School District. In Elk Grove Unified School District v. Newdow, Michael Newdow sued the Elk Grove Unified School District, a public school, in a federal district court in California. He argued that making students listen – even if they choose not to participate – to the words “under God” violates the establishment clause of the US Constitution’s First Amendment. Accordingly, the court ruled against Newdow because he lacked standing because he didn’t have custody over the daughter. In Jane Doe v. Acton-Boxborogh Regional School District, the case was a result of “a group of parents, teachers and the American Humanist Association in an action against a school district” (Bomboy, 2021). It was based on claims that the “Pledge requirement, including the use of the words “under God,” violated the equal protection clause of the state’s constitution” (Bomboy, 2021). The Supreme Court ruled against them. Subsequently, these cases are similar in that the reciting of the Pledge, especially the phrase “under God,” went against the Constitution. Accordingly, the Supreme Court disagreed with these claims.
Most disputes surrounding the Pledge are associated with the phrase “under God.” In the first case by Newdow, the Supreme Court ruled against him because he lacked standing since he lacked custody of the daughter. In the second case, Jane Doe v. Acton-Boxborogh Regional School District, the parents argued their children exposed themselves to bullying and punishment by not reciting the phrase “under God,” subsequently, no evidence was presented to support the claim of bullying; hence the Supreme Court’s decision was that reciting the Pledge was not in violation of the constitution and rights (DOE v. ACTON BOXBOROUGH REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT, 2014). Subsequently, the Supreme Court found no fault in the Pledge of Allegiance, thus the subsequent ruling in both cases.
Accordingly, the Pledge of Allegiance should continue to be recited in public schools. The continued recitation promotes patriotism among students. Since the recitation is voluntary, students can be taught the background and meaning of the Pledge of Allegiance so that as they recite, they understand why it is essential. Accordingly, there are various methods that teachers can use to promote the students’ understanding of the Pledge of Allegiance (Martin, 2008). They include the use of projectors while teaching the background of the Pledge of Allegiance. The use of projectors will allow students to envision the occurrences that contributed to the writing of the Pledge. Also, the teachers can use pictures to illustrate the circumstances as they explain the moments leading up to the moment in the image and afterwards. This method will also help students understand the background and importance of the Pledge of Allegiance. Consequently, the students should be asked questions to illustrate their understanding and opinions on the Pledge of Allegiance. Additionally, the teachers can explain the Pledge of Allegiance from various perspectives and have discussions with the students to understand their opinions. Also, the teacher can allow the students to write their opinions down through writing assignments related to the Pledge of Allegiance (Martin, 2008).
Additionally, the Pledge of Allegiance is a vital part of the American people because it indicates their patriotism. It also promotes civil religion through the phrase “justice for all,” promoting equitable societies. Moreover, its recitation in public schools allows the students to identify as patriotic through the personal voluntary action of reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Therefore, the more it is recited, the more value it has; hence, students in public schools should continue reciting the Pledge.
In conclusion, public schools should require students to recite the Pledge of Allegiance as it promotes patriotism. Additionally, as students recite the Pledge, understanding its background and meaning will allow students to understand and voice their opinions on the Pledge. Also, the voluntary choice to recite the Pledge allows students to hold their tongues in phrases they disagree with, such as “under God.” Subsequently, its recitation promotes patriotism and celebrates the history of the U.S. Hence, the decisions by the Supreme Court were the most appropriate and effective. Therefore, the Pledge of Allegiance promotes patriotism and indicates pride in citizenship.
References
Bomboy, S., 2021. The history of legal challenges to the Pledge of Allegiance | The National Constitution Center. [online] Constitutioncenter.org. Available at: <https://constitutioncenter.org/interactive-constitution/blog/the-latest-controversy-about-under-god-in-the-pledge-of-allegiance>
Findlaw. 2014. DOE v. ACTON BOXBOROUGH REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT. [online] Available at: <https://caselaw.findlaw.com/ma-supreme-judicial-court/1666178.html>
Kao, G. and Copulsky, J., 2007. The Pledge of Allegiance and the Meanings and Limits of Civil Religion. Journal of the American Academy of Religion, 75(1), pp.121-149.
Martin, L., 2008. Examining the Pledge of Allegiance. The Social Studies, 99(3), pp.127-131.
Sos.wa.gov. 2021. The Pledge of Allegiance. [online] Available at: <https://www.sos.wa.gov/flag/pledge.aspx>
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Question 
The Pledge of Allegiance
Religion and politics have traditionally been highly debated topics in our society. Recently, the Pledge of Allegiance has added to this debate.
American citizens have generally recited the Pledge of Allegiance at important ceremonies ranging from presidential inaugurations to the beginning of the school day. The pledge has a great deal of sentimental value to many Americans but also creates a great deal of controversy for others.
Review The History of Legal Challenges to the Pledge of Allegiance by reading the Supreme Court cases Elk Grove Unified School District v. Newdow and Jane Doe v. Acton-Boxborogh Regional School District, which highlights the debate.
Write a 2–3 page paper in which you:
Summarize the salient points of the Supreme Court case Elk Grove Unified School District v. Newdow and Jane Doe v. Acton-Boxborogh Regional School District.
Explain the decisions of the Supreme Court in these cases in brief.
Discuss whether or not you think public schools should require students to recite the pledge. Why or why not?
Provide three quality sources—the textbook may be used as one reference source.