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Proud Mama, Frustrated Mama [Sep. 29th, 2009|09:29 am]
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After learning about gay people not having the right to marry, my oldest (age 9) decided to not say the Pledge of Allegiance at school anymore, since "Justice for all" wasn't actually true. This decision was made on his own. Isn't he the cutest?!! Last year his teacher was cool with it. This year, his new teacher and principal told him he had to say it, so he's been standing with his hand over his heart with his lips sealed. While I do live in the South, I have to believe that he simply misunderstood his teacher since there is no way in hell that the school can make him say the Pledge of Allegiance. When I first heard about this, in my mind I started screaming, "ACLU, where are you??" Ha.

I wrote a really nice email to his teacher, so I hope this matter can be put to rest.

ETA- I heard back from his teacher. She did tell my kid that he has to stand during the Pledge of Allegiance because it is followed by the school creed and vision & mission statements. I have to admit this makes me unhappy.
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Comments:
[User Picture]From: [info]alafaye
2009-09-29 05:06 pm (UTC)

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I am angry on your behalf.

Freedom of speech, damn it!!

*is so angry on your behalf that she cannot fully express herself*

Are they worried that it's going to cause the other kids to not say anything?

Stupid stupid stupid stupid...
[User Picture]From: [info]noteverything
2009-09-30 04:06 am (UTC)

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Do you live in a very small school district? Because I can't *even* imagine anyone noticing a kid not saying the pledge at my school...so many kids and not nearly enough eyes to notice every one of them.

I too live in a really, really red state and we have a strict policy that people who don't want to recite the pledge don't have to, but they are expected to be quiet and respectful when others do. Is it the recitation or the standing that's the issue with you...or both? I think for him to stand while others recite the pledge and whatever other "stuff" they say isn't too much to ask from a student, but I understand that you might not agree.
[User Picture]From: [info]happier_bunny
2009-10-01 12:53 am (UTC)

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Well, why can't he just stand for those after the Pledge?