A course such as this one may bring up some very strong feelings. It is important to remember that we debate topics with evidence, and remain polite and professional while doing so.
In a classroom at ABC Public School located in the southern part of the United States, a US flag is flown outside of the school building. Each classroom in the middle school (grades 6-8) has an American flag, and the students face the flag and recite the Pledge of Allegiance every morning at the beginning of the day. One morning, Jeremy did not stand up with his classmates and recite the Pledge of Allegiance. His teacher, Mr. Waldorf, asked him why he did not stand up and recite the Pledge as he did every other morning. Jeremy answered, “Making me do that is a violation of my rights. I won’t do it, and you can’t make me!”
Discuss the following –
1. Which right do you suspect Jeremy believes is being violated?
2. Is Jeremy right?
3. Go online and research the issue – do public schools have the right to ask students to stand and recite the Pledge of Allegiance? Share what you found and your source.
