OPINION & EDITORIAL
Banning the pledge
Looking for a print version?
Simply choose ‘Print’ on your computer and a printer-friendly document will be generated.
Also by Badger Herald Editorial Board:
- Madison's annual hip-hop conference falters (April 14, 2003)
- Dear Dave: Post this near your desk (April 17, 2003)
- Politicking destroyed opt-out's proponents (April 14, 2003)
- Don't Cut Historical Society Funds (April 29, 2003)
- Redirecting control (April 23, 2003)
Related Stories:
- To what do we Pledge Allegiance? (March 13, 2003)
- To what do we pledge allegiance? (March 13, 2003)
- Letters to the editor (October 21, 2001)
- Madison School Board should stand its ground (October 14, 2001)
- 'Under God' phrase should remain (September 20, 2005)
by Badger Herald Editorial Board
Monday, October 15, 2001
At last Monday’s meeting, the Madison school board banned the Pledge of Allegiance in Madison public schools when a small number of parents objected for religious and/or political reasons.
The school board exhibited the (then) typical Madison politically correct knee-jerk response, ignoring the wishes of the vast majority of the population; within 14 hours, the school board had received 426 phone calls and emails, 422 of which opposed the new policy. Apparently school board officials forgot they were elected to represent their constituents. Fortunately, the board will reconsider its decision tonight.
Still, we wonder if the school board is so out of touch that they will not even know what they are discussing. After all, while attempting to adhere to the new policy, one Madison elementary school played the Chinese national anthem. They claimed it was a mistake, but the gaffe puts to rest the idea the pledge will not have any educational benefit.
We don’t think every child should be forced to recite the pledge, but it’s ridiculous the school board feels every child should be forced not to.
On Monday, October 15, the editorial was updated to reflect the version printed in Monday’s paper.
