Do American high school students have the right to not say the pledges?

Question

Im against this government because of what I believe.
I do have the right to not say the american and state pledges, right? When people ask me why I don't say it, what would be a good and simple way to explain it?

I do stand with respect, and im quite throught out it all.

Answer 1

http://www.undergodprocon.org/pop/schools.htm

Many states require it, especially at the elementary school level. After all, indoctrination is best when it starts at a young age.

However, if you scroll down the page you will see that most states give the student the option to opt out. There have also been a couple of court rulings that have stated that you have the personal right as a student to not say the pledge. Also, parents have the right to request that teachers don't force their children to say the pledge.

So odds are if you were ever taken to task for it by your school, the courts would rule in your favor due to precedent.

Follow your beliefs, even if they are unpopular. Dissent is the highest form of patriotism... and that thought is straight from Thomas Jefferson.

Answer 2

a good and common reason some people use is because the pledge has the words "under god". many people believe that since there is a separation between religion and state, this should not be in there and therefore refuse to say the pledge.

full text:
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.

so when they ask you why you don't say the pledge, ask them to say it, and when they get to the "one Nation under God" part, stop them and let them know that THAT's why you don't want to.

now aside from religous reasons, if you don't want to then don't. if they ask and you don't really want to say anything (religious or not) then don't. there are many people who don't say the pledge. all they do is stand up with everyone else, and be quiet throught. nothing wrong with that. you can explain or not, that is you right.

Answer 3

Say what all Americans say:

Its a free country, isn’t it?

People have fought and died for our freedoms, and our country is based on free speech and pursuit of happiness. What’s the use of all the blood those military men have spent if it doesn’t give you the freedom to do what you want? It would be an insult to the men and women who died for this country if you DIDN’T use your rights.

It seems more and more that free speech must support the government’s policies or you're abusing your rights in some people’s opinions. I think its better that you don't say it if you don’t mean it. If you force someone to say it, it will be meaningless anyway..

For a short answer, see above. Otherwise tell them that:

Many people have fought and died for this country for freedom. I would like to believe they fought for my freedom to disagree as well.

After all, what is the use of freedom if it only supports the government and everyone else’s opinions? Although I’m sure to get flamed by Nationalistic nutcases, I uphold their free speech too, even if they don’t support mine and yours!

Answer 4

I think you just did: you're against the government and don't want to say the pledge, which is your right. Of course, one may argue that being against this particular government doesn't mean you should stop saying the pledge, which is about something greater. You may also want to think about leaving the States if you dislike the government so much--I say that not to be mean or reactionary, but only because it living somewhere else might give you greater piece of mind. Cheers.

Answer 5

Yes, you have the right not to say the pledge of allegiance (or, for that matter, sing the National Anthem). I don't see anything wrong with telling the truth about why you're not doing it (of course, you could be setting yourself up for a long argument), but your right to free speech is, ironically enough, your right to keep silent in this regard.

Answer 6

I do believe that you have a right to stay silent during the pledges. When explaining your beliefs, I think you should phrase it similarly to how you did in the question. Or, you could say "I don't want to delve into my morals at the moment, could I explain another time?" I hope I could help. :)

Answer 7

I think so. Lots of people at my school refused to say the pledge. The teachers didn't put up a big fight or anything.

Answer 8

agreed...you have the option to not say the pledge but most people ask that you stand in respect for the country you are visiting or living in

Answer 9

of course you have the right not to say the pledges, that is one of the many constitutional rights hundreds of thousands of men and women died to give you, in your pursuit of exercising said rights. if you dont like America go live some where else, that is my best suggestion. you should know how to answer the question b/c it is how you feel, obviously if you have to ask then you know your position is greatly frowned upon.

Answer 10

Just because you're against the government is not a good reason, not to say the pledge. Can you imagine the consequences of not saying the pledge if many people had not died to win your freedom, in order for you to even have the decision to say it or not to say it. Yes, you can choose not to say the pledge. You don't have to give people a reason.... it's none of their business. Just say "cause I don't want to."