In 1943, the Supreme Court ruled that students are not required to say The Pledge of Allegiance or salute the flag. It was created in 1892 to push for Americanization—a desire to restrict immigration and encourage immigrants to assimilate.
In 1942 FDR made sure students stopped saluting the flag the same way the Nazis were saluting theirs.
In 1954 FDR declared “under God” to be added to The Pledge of Allegiance. Today it reads:
"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."
All states except Nebraska, Hawaii, Vermont, and Wyoming require a regularly scheduled recitation of the pledge in public schools.
Federal courts have determined that it is both ok to require teachers to lead The Pledge of Allegiance and for students not to participate.
But Why? Why are American schools pressuring students to recite The Pledge of Allegiance when it can not be enforced by law?
Here is what my state Illinois has to say:
(105 ILCS 5/27-3) (from Ch. 122, par. 27-3) Sec. 27-3. Patriotism and principles of representative government - Proper use of flag - Method of voting - Pledge of Allegiance. American patriotism and the principles of representative government, as enunciated in the American Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States of America and the Constitution of the State of Illinois, and the proper use and display of the American flag, shall be taught in all public schools and other educational institutions supported or maintained in whole or in part by public funds. No student shall receive a certificate of graduation without passing a satisfactory examination upon such subjects, which may be administered remotely. Instruction shall be given in all such schools and institutions in the method of voting at elections by means of the Australian Ballot system and the method of the counting of votes for candidates. The Pledge of Allegiance shall be recited each school day by pupils in elementary and secondary educational institutions supported or maintained in whole or in part by public funds. (Source: P.A. 101-643, eff. 6-18-20.)
All that is stated is a commandment. The Pledge of Allegiance shall be recited each school day by pupils in public schools. There is no why or how; just do it. The statement is grouped alongside other patriotic sentiments, and I assume it is to infer that you say the pledge to prove your American patriotism and respect for the flag.
2002, In response to the September 11 Attacks, Illinois decided the pledge should be said in high schools. However, the state said the law could stand as long as voluntary participation.
“It’s voluntary, and you can always say it without saying the words `under God,'”
Sen. Kirk Dillard (R-Hinsdale)
“I do not believe that the Pledge of Allegiance represents any type of establishment of religion. It just reaffirms one’s belief that we live in one of the greatest countries in the history of the world.”
The former senator sums up why people feel the pledge is necessary.
But The Pledge of Allegiance is not normal. On the contrary, it represents a totalitarian or authoritarian society.
Our children should not be forced to pledge allegiance to a country without question.
