Thread: State might require pledge in schools

http://rdu.news14.com/content/your_news ... 0&SecID=17

RALEIGH -- North Carolina might soon require students to recite the Pledge of Allegiance in class. The state House approved the idea last week 106-1.

The issue was brought up last year when an Apex High School student, Julian Quesada, wondered why his school didn't recite the Pledge.

“I went to my principal and asked why we don't say the Pledge of Allegiance in school anymore, and he simply said we don't have time anymore,” Quesada said.

Quesada, the son of immigrant parents, went to lawmakers looking for change.

The Pledge of Allegiance isn't seen in too many North Carolina classrooms.

So far, there hasn't been much protest at the General Assembly. But there are some people out there who are against the idea.

“A government agency should not endorse a religion or religious entity, such as God, and the public schools are an agency of the government,” said Buddy Owens, who is with Americans United for Separation of Church and State

The measure now goes to the Senate for concurrence. It looks to be a sure thing.

“If anyone does not want to say the Pledge, they don't have to. And if they don't want to stand up they don't have to,” said Sen. Neal Hunt, R-Wake.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

WOW, saying the Pledge of Allegiance in American schools. What a concept!

WOW, saying the Pledge of Allegiance in American schools. What a concept!

Very novel idea! Too bad we didn't do this before!

So far, there hasn't been much protest at the General Assembly. But there are some people out there who are against the idea.

Who's against it ? Al Qaeda ?

This is great news A real breath of fresh air!!

I just realized a few days ago the pledge isn't said anymore in schools. It must still be said in some schools right? I asked my 22 yr old son when and if he said it and he said he did until he was in middle school which was when we moved to San Diego. What is happening? We aren't allowed to be patriotic in school anymore?

It's not required now?!?

Boy, things sure have changed! When I was a kid going to elementary school in Wisconsin, we always said the pledge every morning as we put our right hands over our hearts and looked at the American flag at the front of the room by the teachers desk. Oh for the, "good old days."

Now I just remembered, I did go to a middle school graduation in Riverside Co., CA recently and we all had to recite the pledge at the ceremony. So guess it depends on the school district.

My daughter just finished 9th grade here in Albuquerque, NM and still says the Pledge Of Allegience. They do it every morning!

What is happening? We aren't allowed to be patriotic in school anymore?

We are not allowed to be patriotic anywhere it would seem. If you are patriotic you are labeled racist, xenophobic, bigotted, nativist, etc.

What is happening? We aren't allowed to be patriotic in school anymore?

And there is also talks about banning dodge ball. One of my childhood favorites.