Students Punished for Not Saying “Under God” When Leading Pledge of Allegiance

[Auggie]

At Merrill F. West High School in Tracy, California, students in Shauna Baker’s speech and debate class are tasked to read announcements and say the Pledge over the loudspeaker in the morning.

Adrianna Teboe didn’t didn’t say “Under God” when it was her turn. She was marked down as a result.

Derek Giardina didn’t say “Under God” when it was his turn. He’s now failing the class.

Teboe… said the issue should not be controversial.“I think it’s kind of ridiculous that they are punishing us for sticking up for what we believe in,” she said. “What better way to represent West High or America than to show that we have the freedom of religion and the freedom of speech.”

LINK: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/11/08/high-school-students-punished-for-not-saying-under-god-when-leading-pledge-of-allegiance-over-loudspeakers/

At first I'd have to ask why California allows such nonsense. But then I'd have to ask which politician has the balls to introduce the appropriate legistlation.

[Curmudgeoness]

1. I salute these kids.

It isn't easy to be the one who is different, especially in your teen years, and they are brave to do it.

[Mr.Bill]

2. When I was in high school in California,

The courts decided that no student could be forced to say the Pledge, they could only be forced to stand while others said it. That was in the late 60s. Even in our courtroom, when sworn in we stopped saying so help me god or using a bible decades ago.

[onager]

3. Tracy is in the Central Valley section of California

Farm country. Well, nowadays Big Agribusiness country. That area is a LOT more conservative than its sister cities Sodom-frisco in the north and Gomorrah-wood in the south. So this nonsense doesn't surprise me too much.

Back in 1975, an Academy Award nominated documentary was filmed around Tracy - "California Reich," which featured members of the American Nazi Party living in the area.

ETA - Mr. Bill is right about the courts. I've been doing jury duty in Los Angeles County since the 1980s. I have never been sworn in on a Bible, or been asked to recite "so help me God."