Madison board removes Pledge of Allegiance ban in schools

Associated Press WriterMADISON, Wis. (AP) -- The Madison School Board voted to allow schools to offer the Pledge of Allegiance, reversing an earlier decision that critics denounced as unpatriotic.

The board approved the change on a 6-1 vote Tuesday after hearing about eight hours of testimony from emotional residents about its decision last week to bar the Pledge of Allegiance and only allow an instrumental version of "The Star-Spangled Banner" in classrooms. The new policy allows the singing of the national anthem, too.

"For a few minutes every morning, everyone joins in an exercise that I believe binds us together," board member Ray Allen said.

The 800-seat auditorium at Madison Memorial High School was overflowing late Monday into Tuesday with citizens wanting to express their opinion.

Last week, the board ruled out the pledge or the singing of the anthem as a way for schools to comply with a new state law that calls for a daily dose of patriotism -- either the pledge or "The Star-Spangled Banner" -- in schools. Instead, schools were to use an instrumental version of the anthem.

Supporters of that policy had suggested the lyrics to the national anthem were too militaristic, and complained about the "one nation, under God" line in the pledge, saying the religious words do not belong in public schools.

"I don't think the pledge is about religion. I think it is a commitment to our democracy," Allen said Tuesday.

The district received more than 20,000 phone calls and e-mails over the matter -- almost all of them criticizing the decision.

Before the meeting started, many in the crowd spontaneously began reciting the pledge, with the majority standing as some scattered boos were heard. After finishing the oath, supporters broke into applause, waving American flags.

Under the new policy, schools that decide to have the pledge recited or the anthem sung will start with an announcement reminding pupils that participation is voluntary. But critics said some schoolchildren might feel pressure to take part.

Laura Brown, a Madison resident, said it was unfair to divide students with different beliefs on the issue of the pledge.

"It's bad enough Osama bin Laden has declared a holy war on us," she said. "It's a heck of a lot worse if we declare war on each other in the name of God."

Dan Neviaser of Madison, who said he volunteered to serve in World War II, contended the board allowed a vocal minority to overrule rights of the majority of people who want the pledge said in schools.

"In this time of stress and fear, we need our 'Star-Spangled Banner,' we need our Pledge of Allegiance," he said. "You know what we don't need? Our school board."

Outside of the meeting, several parents led by former U.S. Rep. Scott Klug, R-Wis., said they intend to seek the recall of some or all of the board members.

Board member Bill Keys, who wrote the original motion and voted against rescinding it, said his primary concern was making certain that students of all religions and backgrounds were comfortable in the classroom.

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Madison Metropolitan School District: http://www.mmsd.org