Bob Meyer: Tracy school violated student’s rights
Re “Student punished for altering words to Pledge “ (Page A3, Nov. 12): Derek Giardina should not have had his grades docked for dropping the words “under God” while reciting the Pledge of Allegiance at Tracy’s West High School.
The Pledge of Allegiance was written and published by minister Francis Bellamy in 1892. The original did not include “under God.” The pledge was later modified in 1923 when the words “the flag of the United States of America” were added. It still did not have “under God” in the text. Only in 1954, did Congress add the words “under God” due to the communist threat. Even then, Francis Bellamy’s daughter objected to this alteration. If you doubt these facts, go to http://www.ushistory.org/documents/pledge.htm
Dereck was simply reciting the pledge as intended and as it existed for more than 60 years. As citizens we are granted freedom from religion, separation of church and state and free speech. I feel that Tracy’s West High violated these rights.
Bob Meyer, Modesto
This story was originally published November 17, 2014 at 7:16 PM with the headline "Bob Meyer: Tracy school violated student’s rights."