Student Doesn't Have to Say 'Pledge'

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Published: 11/19/2009 8:58 am

Updated: 11/19/2009 4:37 pm

The American Civil Liberties Union has asked Hubbard High School to stop punishing a student who refused to stand and recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

Roxanne Westover, 17, said she's an atheist and considers the pledge more religious than patriotic. Because she wouldn't participate, she said she was sent to the school principal's office several times.

The ACLU wrote school district officials Tuesday arguing that students have the right not to say the pledge as a matter of free speech.

Hubbard Superintendent Richard Buchenic said he told the ACLU that the matter has been "dealt with."

ACLU of Ohio staff counsel Carrie Davis said the school intends to follow a district policy that students are not required to recite the pledge.

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public watcher - 11/20/2009 4:31 PM

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As a soldier Rertired from the Army, I may not Beleive in someones Point of view, now may I always agree with what someone else says or does, but the Fact that you Have these freedoms to make such choices in your lives and these disputes and arguments make me actually feel good Because as a Soldier I have been willing to fight for EveryOnes right to be free, and even though I may Disagree with you I would give my Life if necessary to give you the right to say and beleive what you want.

kalyn - 11/20/2009 12:22 AM

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This young lady is almost an adult and has the right to choose her religion or choose no religion at all. It is her right and it has nothing to do with supporting this country, our soldiers, the war or offending other people. It is simply what she believes it and what she does not believe in, which is a personal choice and her right to make that choice and that is what this country is all about. I give her a big "Hurrah" for making her own decision and not letting anyone intimidate her.

kalyn - 11/20/2009 12:19 AM

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By the way, the words, "in God we Trust" on money first had to do with slavery. Learn our American history, please!

Alundaio - 11/19/2009 5:58 PM

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It's unconstitutional to force anyone to say it. Schools try to strip rights from children all the time. It was later added yes. But it doesn't change that it's socialistic to make everyone memorize a piece of propaganda that goes against it's own last line. Liberty and Justice for ALL? Not if you force it on people. Do you people even know what liberty means?

Melanie - 11/19/2009 5:16 PM

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When I was in School there were several Jehovah Witness who did not say the pledge, participate in Halloween, or Christmas Parties or Concerts. When it was time to say the pledge they just remained seated. It was no big deal. I am 35 years old and I may not agree with people who don't pledge their allegiance to this country, but my father, grandfather, and great grandfathers fought for their freedom as well, and thought does include the freedom of speech or not to speak.

hubbard1999 - 11/19/2009 4:42 PM

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FYI Alundaio.....The Pledge of Allegiance to the United States is an oath of loyalty to the republic of the United States of America. "under God" was NOT in the original version by the Christian Socialist, but was added later to coincide with the words of the Gettysburg Address

Alundaio - 11/19/2009 4:29 PM

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Wow you people are ignorant...to say she is communist because she doesn't say the pledge. What? That doesn't make sense at all. America was founded on freedom and SEPARATION of CHURCH and STATE. You should not have to say anything that has the word GOD in it if you do not want to. The Pledge of Allegiance was written by a Christian Socialist. It has nothing to do with War Veterans.It was wrote for a children's magazine. Another way of trying to brainwash children into a socialistic world controlled by the fear of GOD.

jerry123 - 11/19/2009 1:42 PM

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What is supposed to be great about America is what you are all complaining about. We have the freedom to make choices. If it is our choice not to say the pledge or to believe in the same god, it is our choice. The people who died for our cause died for this child to have that freedom.

hubbard1999 - 11/19/2009 12:51 PM

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So I guess this girl IS going to attend school on Christmas and Good Friday (religious holidays!!) Doubtful! And what about money.... "In God we Trust" She must not belive in that either. Quit trying so hard to prove a point and simply stand and show respect to all those who have died for us.

sweeperstore - 11/19/2009 12:48 PM

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Let's kill her. Really. How dare she not want to participate in our ritual! Just because she has the right to her opinion, and has the right to her point of view...doesn't mean she should still live. Are you guys with me? Anyone who doesn't share our exact beliefs is a communist. And an Athiest? How dare she not share our beliefs in an invisible man in the clouds! We can't tolerate independent thinking. The fact that she stood up for her rights, making her a brave person, doesn't excuse the fact that she isn't like the rest of us. She must die. ( I just want to fit in ) The opposite of bravery isn't cowardice...it's conformity. My hat's off to the girl.

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