Posted on 10/09/2001 7:02:25 AM PDT by Jean S
Can't use Pledge of Allegiance to comply with law, schools told
The Madison School Board barred schools on Monday from using the Pledge of Allegiance as a way to comply with a new state law that requires a daily patriotism dose.
Instead, schools can use only the national anthem - and then only instrumental versions of it. No words.
The 3-2 board vote came after several parents and teachers complained that the pledge, which contains the line "one nation, under God," is a religious oath that doesn't belong in public schools. Others criticized the pledge for promoting nationalism and militarism.
Board President Calvin Williams, who voted with the majority, said the board's action is the "least intrusive and least offensive" way to comply with the law.
"We've chosen a reasonable compromise that preserves freedom of expression on both ends of the spectrum and doesn't trample on anyone's rights," he said.
The law, which took effect Sept. 1, requires schools to offer the pledge or anthem daily in grades 1 to 12. Madison implemented the law last week, with Superintendent Art Rainwater leaving it up to each school to decide whether the pledge or anthem would be offered and in what format.
The heaviest criticism has been aimed at those elementary schools where the pledge is being read over the public address system. Although the law says students cannot be forced to participate, critics said children have little choice but to listen to it when it's broadcast throughout the school.
"What we're doing here is opening up a very slippery slope," said Sally Franz, an educational assistant at Cherokee Middle School and one of six people who criticized the law Monday. "Indoctrination leads to totalitarianism, and we're approaching that moment."
Board member Bill Keys' motion instructs schools to broadcast an instrumental version of the anthem at a time deemed appropriate by administrators. This option will allow dissenting students to opt out less conspicuously, reducing the chances for harassment, he said.
Williams and Carol Carstensen agreed with Keys. Carstensen said the motion in no way prohibits the teaching of the pledge for educational reasons or the singing of the anthem in music class. And students can say the pledge on their own during the school day, she said.
Ruth Robarts and Shwaw Vang opposed the motion, with both saying it doesn't go far enough to protect the rights of dissenters. "It's a step in the right direction, but it doesn't remove the coerciveness of the classroom situation," Robarts said. She wanted the anthem to be offered before or after classes.
Ray Allen and Juan Jose Lopez were absent. Reached later, Lopez said he opposes the motion.
"I would not have voted to ban the Pledge of Allegiance," he said. "We live in the United States of America, and people should be given the choice."
Eagles Up, Freep em Good!!
They'll allow the Pledge, the pressure is so great, but the founding ideals will continue to be ignored. The socialists will feed you your wonderful flag cake. You children, however, will not learn what that flag once stood for. They already have, and will continue to associate that very same flag, with the ideals of socialism.
Through the daily "pledge" they will learn to trivialize oaths, and thus trivialize the oath of contract that our very liberty is built on.
I hope the community flames them good. Of course, I'll be putting pen to paper to do my part.
I disagree. I have been to Berkeley and am an alum of UW. No city or campus is further left than Berkeley.
Flags have always been a symbol and ours was a symbol created long before socialism was anything but a whimsy. We don't worship the flag the vision that Keyes had of the flag flying still victorious was why it was mentioned but the important part of the pledge was to the nation "for which it stands. One nation, indivisible with liberty and justice for all." That be some real socialism all right.
Its worth more if you're forced to do it. That way, on the day one kid refuses, everyone gets to learn what america is really all about.
No words!!! Is Madison in enemy hands, or what? Perhaps the Governor ought to declare Martial Law in Madison, and send in the National Guard to take over the schools, until a Board can be found that is not afraid to give verbal expression of loyalty.
I am only half kidding. How did the people of Wisconsin ever allow their State capital to become a nest of subversives? I would certainly hope that the last local school levy has passed in such a community, until there is a 180 degree change!
William Flax Return Of The Gods Web Site
Thank you for posting the Star Spangled Banner in its entirety. I attended a public High School, where the Principal always required the singing of both the first and fourth verses (above). It is the Fourth that really captures the message--the spirit of the original Americans. Everyone ought to take a moment and sing the verse to themselves. It really stirs the blood, does it not. I wonder what the Madison school board would do if patriotic students decided to sing the words, despite the School Board's sick edict?! Anyone have any ideas how to get the idea started?
William Flax
"Others criticized the pledge for promoting nationalism and militarism."
We need to start playing a major round of "Spot The Loony" here.
Are you kidding this should just be the start! Only these jerks could confuse Patriotism with Fascism.
They are obviously questioning the basis of the new state law by half _ssing it.
One of the major problems I have with the pledge of allegiance, is that I take, and think a good number of folks should take, pledges and oaths seriously. Why repeat a pledge you have already agreed to? Wasn't the first adequate. or are you not to be trusted? A repeat of a pledge is a pledge in vain, and we should avoid vain pledges and oaths -- if we even undertand what a pledge or an oath means.
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