I'm in 8th grade in a Texas school, and I don't really care to say the pledge every morning. I still stand, but I'd prefer not to put my hand over my heart and swear loyalty when I don't even know if I do. My teacher threatens to make me do a report on WHY I don't pledge if I stop saying it again. Is this legal for her to do and say?
2007-03-08 10:52:28 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Other - Education
Not sure about the legality, but I would talk to your principal about it. Or if he/she doesn't seem like a reasonable enough person, I would just hand my teacher an essay/report before she asks for it, that way she can't specify how long it has to be, and she understands that you are serious about not saying the pledge, not just lazy. And if that doesn't work, explain that "your religion does not allow you to worship false idols", or you find "under God" offensive ;-)
Good Luck!
2007-03-08 11:00:49 · answer #1 · answered by Veronica Mars 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
go ahead and write the report. it will get you out of having to pledge allegiance ever again. A good starting point would be that the original Pledge of allegiance didn't contain the words "under God" it was added in the 1950's. If after you do your report your teacher still insists that you say the pledge call the ACLU. in fact their website would be a great place to research your paper. Knowing the rankings of educations by state I bet your teacher would learn a few things fro your report.
2007-03-08 19:04:35 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
She can't legally force you to say the pledge. She can, however, assign you anything she sees fit (so long as it does not break any laws). What has this country done that has made your existence, at what 12-13 years old, horrible? You have the opportunity to receive an education, pick a career, go to the movies, go to the mall, etc. You have certain personal freedoms. Isn't a 3 minute pledge worth that?
2007-03-08 18:58:14 · answer #3 · answered by peersignal 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If this is a public school they sure can NOT force you to say the pledge. So what, the teacher is going to make you do a report on it. Might be that teacher just wants to know why.
How come your parents are not going to bat for you no this one? I would for my kids. Also when I got to high school all them years ago I was told I didn't have to do the pledge. I was ask to stand with my hand over my heart & be quiet in respect of the ones that said the pledge.
This I did with joy in my heart. I felt great just to be told it was up to me what I did.
Try to stand with your hand over your heart & be quiet. I hope you try this & it works for you.
Good luck.
2007-03-08 19:12:47 · answer #4 · answered by ancestorhorse 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
No, she can not force you to speak the pledge, but you do need to stand with respect. Respect the flag of the country which has given you so much freedom; respect the rights of the other students and respect the simple rule of the school. You might want to do some research on pre-teens in other countries and find out why you are so fortunate to be living in this country.
2007-03-08 19:03:12 · answer #5 · answered by lou53053 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
No, you do not have to say the pledge, but they want you to stand up to show respect to others who say the pledge. a school system can not make you say anything you do not beleive in. but let me warn you, your teacher is going to hate you because you dont have to do what they say. you should write the report to show that your not just trying to rebel just write that you don't want to pledge your loalty to somthing you don't believe in. she's going to try to make you do it but she can't. as long as you stand up its fine
good luck!
2007-03-08 19:04:46 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
you are legally allowed to not say the pledge,i do th same thing. i tand and im repectfull i just dont say it. if they give you any crap just say "i am legally allowed to not say the pledge. thanks."
peace babe.
2007-03-08 19:01:24 · answer #7 · answered by Maddy Rene 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, because of separation of church and state, a part of our constitution. This is only applicable if you are offended by the "one nation under god" part. But even if you aren't, you should still talk with your principal.
2007-03-08 19:12:40 · answer #8 · answered by Willi D. 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
no because in America you have the right to stand or not stand and say the pledge. Just ask any Jahova's Witness. Tell them its against your religion even if its not.
then tell them "i'm sorry i didn't stand, i thought i was in america where you have that right"
be a smart ***, they deserve it.
2007-03-08 18:57:06 · answer #9 · answered by aguiladeoro04 2 · 1⤊ 3⤋
no. you don't have to do anything you don't want to and they can't legally make you. If I were you, I would write the report on why you don't want to do it. fight your idiot teacher with logic and see what happens
2007-03-08 18:58:58 · answer #10 · answered by Puck 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋