Students react to 'under God' controversy
Jesse Dunn
Issue date: 4/7/04 Section: News
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Others have argued that the amendment means that religion and the state should be kept separate, as the freedom of religion also implies freedom from religion, Bracy said.
The Supreme Court has historically taken the Jeffersonian position that there should be a "wall of separation between church and state," and has consistently ruled against prayer in public schools and ceremonies, as well as the posting of the Ten Commandments in the classroom.
UA freshman Danny Hammack is against removing the phrase.
"It does not specify which god, so it is not wholly exclusive or discriminatory," Hammock said. "I don't think the founders would want the words removed."
UA junior Carrie Parker agreed.
"Personally, I believe they should just leave the phrase," she said. "If an individual doesn't agree with it, they don't have to say it."
While a public school student has the right to not say the pledge, or exclude the phrase in question, Newdow feels that this is "a huge imposition to put on a small child."
Freshman Cody Hackett said he thinks the phrase is diluted enough that it doesn't impose a religious viewpoint.
"I think it's lost its religious stigma," Hackett said. "It's embedded in the fabric that is America. If we take it away from the Pledge, where do we stop? It would have to be removed from buildings, money, everything."
For some, the expression "under God" no longer retains its original meaning and has become so part of the American way that it could be categorized as a mere ritual or practice.
"I don't really see it as forcing religion," UA freshman Katie Watson said. "The American Pledge is history and tradition, and reciting it is to continue that tradition."
Religion might be classified as a delicate issue that remains a private facet of life; for parents, the matter could take on new meaning.
"I tend to regard religion as something that is very personal and that I should take care of myself, and I shouldn't expect the public schools to teach my children about God and religion," Bracy said. "That's my job and my responsibility as a parent."
Bracy said she thinks the Supreme Court decision in the case will be a close one.
"The Court's majority is actually rather conservative, but they have still kept to the separation of church and state doctrine," she said. "... I really won't be surprised if the decision goes either way."
The Supreme Court is expected to have a final decision by the end of June.
The Supreme Court has historically taken the Jeffersonian position that there should be a "wall of separation between church and state," and has consistently ruled against prayer in public schools and ceremonies, as well as the posting of the Ten Commandments in the classroom.
UA freshman Danny Hammack is against removing the phrase.
"It does not specify which god, so it is not wholly exclusive or discriminatory," Hammock said. "I don't think the founders would want the words removed."
UA junior Carrie Parker agreed.
"Personally, I believe they should just leave the phrase," she said. "If an individual doesn't agree with it, they don't have to say it."
While a public school student has the right to not say the pledge, or exclude the phrase in question, Newdow feels that this is "a huge imposition to put on a small child."
Freshman Cody Hackett said he thinks the phrase is diluted enough that it doesn't impose a religious viewpoint.
"I think it's lost its religious stigma," Hackett said. "It's embedded in the fabric that is America. If we take it away from the Pledge, where do we stop? It would have to be removed from buildings, money, everything."
For some, the expression "under God" no longer retains its original meaning and has become so part of the American way that it could be categorized as a mere ritual or practice.
"I don't really see it as forcing religion," UA freshman Katie Watson said. "The American Pledge is history and tradition, and reciting it is to continue that tradition."
Religion might be classified as a delicate issue that remains a private facet of life; for parents, the matter could take on new meaning.
"I tend to regard religion as something that is very personal and that I should take care of myself, and I shouldn't expect the public schools to teach my children about God and religion," Bracy said. "That's my job and my responsibility as a parent."
Bracy said she thinks the Supreme Court decision in the case will be a close one.
"The Court's majority is actually rather conservative, but they have still kept to the separation of church and state doctrine," she said. "... I really won't be surprised if the decision goes either way."
The Supreme Court is expected to have a final decision by the end of June.
