Take a Stand to Sit

The Bill of Rights has two amendments with the power to protect students from being forced to say this promise. The First Amendment declares Freedom of Speech, whereas the Fifth Amendment expresses Freedom from speech. According to the Bill of Rights, in the first amendment "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." (United States, Congress). Additionally, in the Fifth Amendment, “No person shall be held to answer…” (United States, Congress). This is complicated but can be put into simple terms: No one can take away your right to (legitimate) free speech, or make you speak. 

Additionally, when considering certain words in the Pledge of Allegiance like “Allegiance to the flag,” “United States,” and “Under God,” this promise is political, and in some ways, religious, but not necessary in an educational setting. As reported by Elton B. Stephens Company, (EBSCO,)  “Some religious groups, however, refrain from saying the pledge because their first loyalty is to God rather than to a nation. Other opponents criticize the Pledge on political grounds…” (Aliprandini, et al). Put simply, the people opposed to the Pledge of Allegiance have various reasons including that the Pledge is too political, and therefore see it as a promise to a possibly unethical government. 

Some say, “I need to; it’s the rules.” or “I am just being a Patriot.” Now, I am not saying it is wrong to be a Patriot. However, no, it is, in fact, against the rules to force someone to say something. As Eduardo, et al articulates, “Compelled speech is contrary to everything America stands for.” (Eduardo, et al). This piece’s purpose is to prove that forcing someone to say something, let alone the Pledge of Allegiance is unethical. It is a transgression to force these words into someone’s mouth. People can say “It’s the rules to say the Pledge of Allegiance.” But that is incorrect.

To say the pledge is fine, but it is immoral to make others say it. For example, the Bill of Rights protects Freedom of Speech and Freedom from Speech. Additionally, in an educational setting, politics should not interfere. Lastly, it is fine to say the pledge if you are not forcing others to. So, next time you think something is wrong, take a stand to sit! 

Works Cited

“No, You Can’t Be Forced to Say the Pledge of Allegiance.” The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, 24 Feb. 2023, www.thefire.org/news/no-you-cant-be-forced-say-pledge-allegiance. 

United States, Congress, The Bill of Rights. The Bill of Rights, Published for the National Archives and Records Administration by the National Archives Trust Fund Board, 1986. 1986 Congress, bill. 

Wagner, Geraldine. “Pledge of Allegiance: Overview: Research Starters: EBSCO Research.” EBSCO, www.ebsco.com/research-starters/education/pledge-allegiance-overview.  Accessed 12 Dec. 2025.

By Karina Wall, eighth-grader.

Edited by Jenni Wall, Ph.D. Mathematics Education; M.S.Ed; B.S.Ed.; B.A. Spanish.

Published by Karina Wall.

Last Edited on January 1st, 2026

Use of this article is permitted for the public use.