americanatheists

An Atheist civil rights group announced its support today for Boulder, Colorado high school students who are protesting the inclusion of the words “under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Students gathered on Thursday for a rally as the Pledge was read over their school’s public address system. Members of the Student Worker Club want school officials to hold the pledge in the school auditorium during lunch periods. Protesters also intend to recite their own version which omits the reference to a god, and includes mention of constitutional rights.

The phrase “under God” was not part of the original pledge. It was added in 1954 through an Act of Congress.

Ellen Johnson, President of American Atheists expressed support for the students.

“The ‘god’ reference in our Pledge of Allegiance excludes millions of Atheists and other non-believers, and sends the message that they are not part of the American way of life,” said Johnson. “It is a religious declaration and has no place in a society which values individual freedom and the right of conscience.”

Dave Silverman, Communications Director for American Atheists, said that the 2004 Colorado law that requires schools to recite the pledge does not require students to participate.

“The students are on firm legal ground here, and the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that no one may be required to participate in the pledge ceremony,” said Silverman. “But requiring certain students, including Atheists to simply remain silent while others recite the pledge isn’t an appropriate solution.”

Silverman added that those who choose not to participate risk being singled out and made victims of peer pressure, disapproval and even violence.