Friday, March 16, 2012

Pledge of Controversy

“ I pledge allegiance, to the flag, of the United States of America. And to the Republic, for which it stands; one nation…”  The controversy over the next words has been fueling for many years and with many different outcomes across the country.
The next words in the Pledge of Allegiance are “under God”.  Schools and students across the nation have been perplexed about these words for many years.  The controversy has been whether or not students should have to recite these words, or recite the Pledge of Allegiance at all because of these words.
Oklahoma state law 70-24-106 states that students are not required to recite the pledge of allegiance.  Oklahoma is one of eight states in the U.S. where students have the option to recite the pledge of allegiance.  While there is allotted time for the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance for students, it is not required to actually say the Pledge. 49 out of the 50 states give schools the option to require students to say the Pledge of Allegiance; Oklahoma is the only state where schools do not have the option to require it or not, due to the fact that students have the option themselves.
Karen Parrish, a public school teacher, says that students have a right whether to say the pledge or not, but they should at least be respectful of students who are saying the Pledge.
“Should I have a student who does not want to participate…I ask that they respect those who are saying the Pledge of Allegiance.”
For more information you can contact your local Government office at 405-524-3468 or visit ok.gov.


Karen Parrish about the Pledge of Allegiance

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