What is so wrong with the Pledge of Allegiance?
What is so wrong with the Pledge of Allegiance?
As a San Benito County Civil Grand Jury report pointed out, compliance with the state-required, daily recital of the pledge has become a near lost tradition in local schools.
In its yearly report, the grand jury concluded San Benito High School teachers had widely varying compliance while noting how educators at Anzar High School aren’t having students recite the pledge, either. And it obviously goes well beyond the local high schools as well, as it appears other local and regional classrooms no longer perform the act – or, as required, another alternative patriotic display – to start each day.
It is unclear precisely when this once stone-cast routine and the rules mandating it became a perceived gray area for educators, but it is a shame, nonetheless.
Besides it being a cultural, wholesome tradition, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance gives students a clear sense of beginning to each day. It instills a respect for the flag, respect for country, and respect for authority. It reminds them about the sacrifices others made before them – about harmony, and community.
Historically, opponents of the pledge have focused on its inclusion of “under God” in arguing for separation of church and state. Clearly, however, everyone has the right to recite the pledge without saying those words. Secondly, the section in the state education code that addresses recital of the pledge allows for the alternative patriotic act, whatever that may be.
It appears as though no singular person or group is to blame for neglecting to perform the daily routine. Administrative leaders have neglected to stress the requirement, and teachers, for the most part, have neglected to make it a part of their daily routines.
Whether caused by political beliefs, laziness or an increasing chaos to the average school day, the fact remains that this is a law required in the education code, and public schools are taxpayer-funded agencies. There certainly is time for it – the pledge takes about 10 second to recite – so educators should make it a part of the daily routine.
It is yet another example of traditional courtesies taking a backseat to convenience.
