Currents News Staff
The separation of church and state is once again causing debate. This time, over whether it’s okay for a school official to say “God Bless America” after children recite the pledge of allegiance.
Until recently it was a tradition for the principal at Sabold Elementary School in Springfield, Pennsylvania to say “God Bless America” over the public address system after leading the pledge.
After a parent complained to a religion watch dog group and lawyers got involved, The Springfield School District decided to no longer allow saying “God Bless America” over the public address system.
A statement sent to parents read, “We understand that this is an important topic for many of our constituents; however, please understand that the District does not make the law. We follow it. ”
“I’m glad that our principal made the choice that he made by not saying it over the loud speaker. I think children are very impressionable,” said parent Larisa Schreiber.
Another parent, Suzanne Hoffman, said “I try to instill in my kids every day the sense of unity and community and patriotism and that’s what I’ll continue to do with my kids. And they will continue to say God Bless America”
The school is not allowed to stop students from continuing to say “God Bless America.” While the issue may be settled at Sabold, it furthers the conversation about schools coming inch by inch, into compliance.
With the 1st amendment or if religious expression is being trumped by political correctness.
“I mean what’s the next step? Are they going to come here when a student sneezes and the principal says, ‘God Bless You?’,” said Michael Puppio from the Springfield GOP.
Local resident, Lauren Carliss, said “Well I don’t think a student should be made to have to say it if that’s not what their family is raising them to do.”