A Haddon Heights elementary school received a letter from the American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey.
HADDON HEIGHTS -- A borough elementary school recently received a letter from New Jersey's American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) asking them to stop requiring students to say "God bless America" after reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
Glenview Elementary School received the letter because the ACLU states that saying "God bless America" is unconstitutional.
"It is improper and unconstitutional for public school officials to have elementary school students invoking God's blessing," Ed Barocas, legal director of the ACLU's New Jersey branch, said Tuesday. "Students have the right to engage in religious messages on their own time, but not during official school assembly led by school officials."
The Associated Press reports that Glenview Principal Sam Sassano said the practice began following the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and, in a letter to parents, explained that it's rooted in patriotism -- not religion.
Sassano was not immediately available for comment Tuesday. Barocas declined to say how the ACLU was initially made aware of the phrase being said, but said that teachers at the elementary school reportedly began the practice and administration allowed it to continue.
The report adds that Glenview will stop having students say "God bless America" each morning, but those who wish to continue doing so are permitted.
Asked whether the age of the students was a factor, Barocas said, "There's always a concern regarding public schools, but courts take into account age and impressionability."
He added that his chapter has also defended religious speech, specifically when the group submitted a legal brief in defense of a student who wanted to sing the 1988 worship song "Awesome God" at a talent show, as it was individual speech.
"Schools can't impose religion on children; parents have the right to direct religious upbringing," Barocas said.
Greg Adomaitis may be reached at gadomaitis@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregAdomaitis. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.
