The Pledge of Allegiance was originally written in 1892 without the words “under God.” The phrase was later added by former President Dwight Eisenhower in 1954 during the Cold War when tensions were high between the Soviet Union and the USA. Political leaders felt self-righteous about the superiority of America's capitalism in contrast to communists. This was partly driven by America's perception that the Soviet Union was a non-God believing society,deemed immoral by many Americans. After hearing about the many people who wanted to add “under God” to the Pledge, Democratic representative Louis C. Rabaut introduced a resolution to Congress. In 1954, Eisenhower signed and officially added “ under God.” The president stated“The millions of our school children will daily proclaim in every city and town, every village and rural school house, the dedication of our nation and our people to the Almighty.” What Eisenhower was saying by this is that by having millions of children recite a Pledge including “under God,” students would be affirming our dedication to God. Whether “under God” is appropriate or not has been debated; it still remains in the Pledge today.  

Every morning at school, we recite the Pledge of Allegiance during the announcements. When we move to the phrase "under God," many students might feel uncomfortable. Students who do not believe in God may feel this phrase goes against their beliefs. We are encouraged to say something if we encounter ideas that may infringe upon the beliefs of our peers. I strongly believe that the phrase "under God" should be removed from the Pledge of Allegiance. By the means of stating that we are one nation “under God,” we are not acknowledging the diversity of beliefs among students. We need a pledge that represents everyone and does not favor one belief over others. 

My beliefs don't matter. That is what the Pledge of Allegiance is showing me.  Why do students who don't believe in God not get represented in the Pledge of Allegiance? Allowing "under God" in the Pledge neglects the beliefs of those who do not believe in God. America is a country where people from many different backgrounds get to express their beliefs and opinions. Consequently, By including "under God" in the Pledge, we are implying that everyone believes or should believe in God, however that is not true. America is sending the message that my beliefs are not valid.  Freshman Maia Maganito, a God-believing student here at Gallatin says, “Taking it out isn't saying something against Christianity it’s just saying something for other religions and atheists, and it’s a good idea because we want to represent our student body. ” The religious beliefs of individual students therefore should not be a factor in the Pledge of Allegiance and should apply to all students.

By repeating the Pledge of Allegiance over and over every day we are manipulating young students into this mold of the “perfect“ American. Students who have said the Pledge of Allegiance every school day for 12 years have said it more than 1,500 times. Repeating this routinely from a young age when our brain is still learning to develop its own beliefs can subtly influence us. Even if students don't believe in God, normalizing it in school causes  a sense of exclusion. Repetition can affect a child's thoughts and beliefs therefore we should not repeat a religious phrase in school.

Others may say that students are allowed to choose not to participate; that is not a valid argument because while this is true in most states, we are still expected to participate. Several young students don't even know they have this right in the first place. Most schools don't inform their students regarding  this and students would have to ask on their own. One student, freshman Wylie Daniels,who doesn't believe in God, says he participates because “if you do not you are kinda shunned.”  This demonstrates that students are reciting the phrase, “under God”due to social pressure. Students may still feel pressured to partake regardless of their religious beliefs. It is time to stop making excuses and make a change.

I believe the Pledge of Allegiance needs to be changed. Students should feel included and that their beliefs matter. We should not be promoting a specific religion within our school systems. The Pledge also states, "with liberty and justice for all.” It is time to make that statement true.