I really shouldn't be participating in this discussion... 

It's not that it's *required* but that it's implicitly endorsed through teachers and administrators.  Again, it's just like prayer:  public school teachers aren't supposed lead the class in prayer, even if they say it's optional.  In so doing they would endorse a particular religious viewpoint.

(insert std disclaimers here)

Art Frank

>>> Michael Berkowitz <[log in to unmask]> 07/01/02 04:54PM >>>
Russ Smith writes
<snip>
There is a requirement that all children participate in the Pledge of
Allegiance.  If it contains the declaration that we are a "nation under
God", which COULD BE VIEWED as a prayer, then a change must be made in order
for this not to be unconstitutional.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Actually there is no requirement that children say the Pledge of Allegiance.
In the 1940's the Supreme Court threw out the mandatory recitation of the
pledge due to the religious objections of some Jehovah's Witness
petitioners.

Mike Berkowitz
Guess? Inc.

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