An exploration of the controversy surrounding the Pledge of Allegiance in schools.
This paper identifies trends in influencing school children to develop “patriotism” for the United States. The Pledge of Allegiance is the principle focus, yet there is supplemental information concerning the promotion of patriotism and patriotic acts provided to support the topic. This paper examines the origins of this controversy. It focuses on the correlation between the pledge of allegiance in the Texas public school system and how the transition from the mandatory statement of the Pledge of Allegiance has translated into the expression of religious values, e.g., prayer, in the Texas schools as well.
Outline
Introduction
The Controversy of the Pledge of Allegiance
The “No Child Left Behind” Act
Texas, Patriotism and Religion
Conclusion
Outline
Introduction
The Controversy of the Pledge of Allegiance
The “No Child Left Behind” Act
Texas, Patriotism and Religion
Conclusion
“The pledge of allegiance is arguably the most overt and the most frequent manifestation of this type of induction into patriotism. Less than ten years ago, the pledge of allegiance was deemed an optional aspect of schooling, where students could decide whether they wished to participate in the pledge or not. However, following the tragedies of September 11th, the United States has seen a blanket renewal of patriotism. Such patriotism has reached the school system in the form of renewed controversy over the pledge of allegiance. One source reports in December of 2001 that: “Old-fashioned flag-waving is gaining support from parents, educators, veterans’ groups and Congress. (Price: 2001) Prompted by the tragedies of September 11th, 2001, the public school system has apparently latched on to the traditional method of inducting students into patriotism by again making the morning pledge of allegiance to the flag a mandatory aspect of academics.