The morning bell rings, and the announcements come on to recite the pledge of allegiance. Looking around, not all students are standing – or even sitting – to recite the pledge of allegiance.

The Smoky Hill High School Buffalo Briefing Student and Parent Handbook states that students are required to recite the Pledge of Allegiance unless their parent or guardian of the student objects in writing to the recitation of the Pledge on any grounds and files the objection with the principle of the school.

Adding ‘Under God’ in the Pledge of Allegiance is considered a patriotic oath, and a public prayer as stated in an article by Freedom From Religion Foundation

Head of security at Smoky Hill High School, Fabrice Clark (Frenchy), believes that students should decide whether or not students recite the pledge or not.

In Michigan, a new state law has been in effect since the 2013-2014 school year. It requires that students recite the pledge of allegiance each day, and teachers by law must have a flag or somewhere to face in the classroom to recite the pledge of allegiance, as stated in mLive. “I agree with it (Under God in the Pledge of Allegiance),” Frenchy said. “It’s my belief system, I say this from my personal belief system.”

Some religious students claim that the words “Under God” declare that people have the right to express their belief in God, not that the nation was founded on the belief in a God. Frenchy explains that everybody has a right to make their own choice.

“It’s a right it’s a privilege to have the rights you do and the freedom, so I feel like it’s important to stand up and face the flag as a sign of respect and gratitude for your country,” sophomore Justin Won said.

People may argue that ‘Under God’ should not be in the pledge because it goes against the Constitution and the first amendment that allows for free speech in regards to religion. “Saying ‘Under God’ is against my religion (Wiccan),” senior Leilani Jeffries said.

Jeffries describes Wiccan as being nature based, so they worship nature and believe that if you do something bad it will come back three times worse or if you do something good it will come back three time better.

Kahn stated the goal to reciting the pledge of allegiance was to teach students about the United States and what it stands for as mentioned in mLive. Won explains that he believes that students should stand up and say the pledge in order to show their respect to their country.