I vividly recall the unsettling feeling that washed over me every morning in school as I stood with fellow students, hand over heart, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. The words, to me, felt inaccurate and alienating, particularly as they painted a picture of perfection in a nation I knew to be deeply flawed. I couldn’t shake the uncomfortable impression of participating in a ritual that seemed more cultish than patriotic, declaring unwavering allegiance to a land grappling with corruption and inequality.

The words are burnt into my mind like a tattoo I will always regret. "Liberty and justice for all" said that I wasn't considered a person because I never got justice in my small, conservative town. Growing up as a queer, Asian woman, I learned that the people of America were against me.

1885 was when the Pledge of Allegiance was created. If you paid attention at all in your 8th grade history class, you would know that women didn't gain the full right to vote until 1919, and it took another year for the amendment to go into effect. Black people had the right to vote come 1870, but due to racist loopholes such as grandfather clauses, the 15th amendment didn't even go fully in action until 1965, a whole 80 years after the Pledge of Allegiance said  "liberty and justice for all". So the Pledge was written during a time when only straight, white men were seen as deserving of liberty and justice.

This issue goes beyond personal discomfort—it affects countless students across the country, many of whom feel left out or misrepresented by the Pledge's words. The Pledge of Allegiance is often seen as a mandatory patriotic exercise rather than a personal choice, placing undue pressure on young, impressionable minds to conform to a narrative that may not align with their values or lived experiences.

Furthermore, a growing number of Americans acknowledge the need to reassess outdated practices that no longer reflect the diverse, pluralistic society we inhabit today. At a time when national discussions are increasingly focused on inclusivity, justice, and historical accuracy, it is crucial that we rethink the presence of the Pledge of Allegiance in our schools.

We propose developing more inclusive educational practices that foster critical thinking and personal growth instead of rote repetition of words that may not resonate with all students. This can include creating opportunities for open discussions about values, rights, and responsibilities in America, allowing students to form a personal and meaningful connection to the nation’s ideals.

Sign this petition to urge school boards across the country to reconsider and ultimately discontinue the daily recital of the Pledge of Allegiance in schools, replacing it with practices that celebrate diversity and encourage genuine understanding and acceptance.