There are 590 school districts in New Jersey and they are required by law to begin their school day by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. 

Monmouth CountySuperior Court Judge David Bauman hears arguments
Monmouth CountySuperior Court Judge David Bauman hears arguments
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However a judge in Monmouth County will soon make a decision which might have ramifications throughout the state on the daily practice which most just take for granted.  At issue are two words: ”under God," which the American Humanist Association would like to see dropped.  They’ve filed a lawsuit against the Matawan-Aberdeen Regional School District on behalf of a family with a student in the district, claiming that the inclusion of “under God” discriminates against atheists.

Yesterday in Freehold Superior Court Judge David Bauman heard arguments from both sides who as you would expect have very different opinions.

The school district wants the lawsuit tossed out because first and foremost state law requires them to begin the day with the pledge of allegiance.  In addition students are not required to say the words or even stand if they don’t want to although their family does have to submit a letter stating that.  The attorney for the Humanist Association said in court yesterday that it’s not that simple and students who don’t participate might be treated as “second class citizens” and it could cause dissension.

The school district is being backed up by lawyers for the American Legion, Knights of Columbus and a Washington DC group that supports religious freedom.  By the way the family and the student who brought the lawsuit have remained anonymous.

The Humanist Association has history regarding this issue because they brought a similar suit on behalf of a family in Massachusetts.  In May that state’s highest court ruled against them, saying that the words “under God” in the pledge reflect a patriotic practice and not a religious one and in addition the reciting of it is voluntary.

I don’t see how the judge can rule against the school district when they are doing the same thing that’s taking place in the other 589 districts in the state.  Clearly this is more of a test about New Jersey law and I would imagine regardless of the outcome we have not heard the last of the American Humanist Association.   Their mission is to advocate progressive values and equality for humanists, atheists and freethinkers.  Good intentions but in this case a battle they will and should lose.

 

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