In 1892, Francis Bellamy wrote the beginning of what eventually would become the 31 words we recite every morning during school. The Pledge of Allegiance was written to encourage citizens of the United States of America recognize the flag as a representation of their great country and to show their allegiance to American freedoms.

Many students in our school do not stand up for the 30 seconds that it takes to render the Pledge of Allegiance and moment of silence.

“Students do not know what the pledge means,” freshman Joscelyn Billiard said. “I feel like if people were provided with a better understanding of what it actually is and what it’s supposed to mean, then more students would stand up.”

Standing up for the pledge not only shows respect for the country that we live in, but it also is a sign of respect for the men and women that fight for our country to provide us with our human rights. Of 20 students surveyed, 19 voted that staff and students in the school should have to at least stand to respect the Pledge.

According to the Southern Lehigh Student Handbook policy, students are required to show respect during the Pledge of Allegiance, but may refrain for reciting it. The handbook does not, however, give students permission not to stand for it; therefore, it is not unreasonable for teachers to require students to stand.

“Of course I think students should be made to stand up. It is like a daily appreciation of what this country provides for us,” sophomore Caraline Meluskey said. “I don’t think that there’s any reason why a student is not able to stand up. I think it’s out of laziness that they don’t, which is so disrespectful.”