Why is it OK to force 1st graders to learn Spanish, but can't say God in the Pledge?

Question

In our school district they require Children starting in 1st grade to start learning Spanish. But the ACLU made a big stink about "one nation under God" in the pledge they say at school. We live in an all white, non-Hispanic 95% christian county, My child's liberties are being infringed on. Why is should he be required to learn the spanish word for God, but can't say the English word for God

Answer 1

You have every right to remove your child from the public schools. No-one's rights are being infringed upon here, at least without your permission.

I suggest that you turn off the right-wing talk radio propaganda and learn what it means to be an American. Or just leave if you don't like it here.

Answer 2

No, your child's liberties are not infringed upon. An all-knowing God will accept your child's prayer in Spanish too, so if he knows Dios, he should be set.

You also have the liberty to home-school or private school, and as for the demographics of yoour county, do any of the people ever go anywhere? Do they move? The world is not all-white or Christian and Hispanics are the second-largest minority group in the US. So unless they plan to live their whole lives 10 miles from their birthplace, they will need skills.

Answer 3

I really wish I had learned Spanish at a young age. For starters, the Hispanic population is growing very rapidly and it will be good for your child to understand what they are saying. It will help her in her job search, college entrance, etc. if she is bi-lingual. Developing language skills is also very good for her developmentally (for some reason, I am thinking of your child as a daughter: please forgive me if I am incorrect!).

Prayer and the pledge do not have the same benefits. I seriously doubt that your child is forbidden to "say the English word for God." The school does not force her to praise Him, but I don't think anyone would object if she bows her head to give thanks before her graham crackers and juice. You have taught your child the values that are important to you. The school's lack of acknowledgement of God will not change what you have instilled. Be grateful that the school is thinking about your child's future: that is their job.

Brigh Blessings!

Answer 4

The reason is because of a little thing about religious freedom, what this country was partially created for. Also be glad that your children are learning Spanish. They will be able to witness to those who only speak that language. As far as the Pledge, my views are this; a child should not be forced to participate in the reciting of it. It is his right not to, therefore there is no need to complain about it being said in school. That is liberty.

Answer 5

I don't know how it is in US, but in UK, there are a number of subjects children are required to learn, including foreign languages. I think the school gets to decide what language the children are forced to learn, but it is usually French.

There are a whole lot of reasons why learning a foreign language is beneficial, I won't argue for it, but I think it's quite reasonable to force kids to learn a language same as we force them to learn maths and English.

In UK we have a lot of religious schools, and it has a negative effect on society in my opinion. If schools are non-religious, no one who has different beliefs feels stigmatized, and children have the chance to meet kids from different cultures, which is healthy.

Everyone is free to have their own religion, and no one is forcing kids to be atheists. But when religion enters the public sphere e.g. in schooling, then those of different religions or no religion are having it forced down their throat.

Answer 6

You mean they actually respect the rights of that 5% (non-Christians) you imply live in your county. That is precisely the intent of that prohibition. You don't like it? Then join the groups that would have the constitution changed to be more in line with a theocracy, or abolished altogether - if you aren't already a member of that movement.

By the way, there's a wild rumor that God may actually understand Spanish.

Answer 7

In my state, it is now mandatory to teach the homosexual lifestyle in secondary school. (I'll pause for a moment while you get back in your chair.)

The State EdCode requires a patriotic moment every day in school and the Pledge qualifies as that moment. Revew your local EdCode and report the school to the school board. Also, a student may envoke the name of God, whereas a school employee may not. If your child wants, they can go to the school administrator and volunteer to lead the Pledge. I think that's an excellent way to go.

Answer 8

because like you said, 95% christian county.. or 5% non-christian county.

Learning any foreign language is a very valuable skill... and studies show that students who begin taking up a second language at a young age will learn it better..

also... USA pretty much has the lowest bilingual population.. it seems they're actually trying to do something about that.

Answer 9

Learning Spanish has a purpose in life.

Answer 10

Oh my goodness!!!! Next thing you know, they'll be teaching science and math to the girls!!!

You know, many countries integrate foreign languages into their curriculum. It's education, m'am. Sesame Street has been teaching spanish for YEARS before immigration became the hot topic it is today. Young children are MUCH more receptive to learning foreign languages. Why are you fearful of your son being exposed to other aspects of life?