Boy Won't Stand For Pledge of Allegiance

The Pledge of Allegiance is recited in schools across the country. But one fifth-grader in Arkansas sits out during his class' recitation of the pledge because of his objection to one particular line.

The Arkansas Times reports that 10-year-old Will Phillips, who goes to school in the West Fork School District in Washington County, is protesting the line "liberty and justice for all" after having a discussion about the pledge with his mother, Laura. Laura told the Times that her family has been an advocate of gay marriage and rights.

"I've always tried to analyze things because I want to be lawyer," Will said. "I really don't feel that there's currently liberty and justice for all."

After picking apart the pledge with his mother, Will decided that he would remain sitting as the rest of his class recited the Pledge of Allegiance. After three days of sitting down, Will's substitute teacher who knew his mother and grandmother told him that they would want him to stand up and say the pledge.

"I was fuming and was too furious to really pay attention to what she was saying. After a few minutes, I said, 'With all due respect, ma'am, you can go jump off a bridge.'"

Will was called to the principal's office and his mother was notified. The principal acknowledged that it was Will's right to remain sitting, but said that the substitute teacher didn't have to apolgize for trying to make Will stand up.

Despite teasing from his fellow classmates, Will said he still sits during the recitation of the pledge. His parents are supporting Will's decision by showing him support that has poured in on blogs and Web sites.

"We've told him that people here might not support you, but we've shown him there are people all over that support you," Laura said. "It's really frustrating to him that people are being so immature."

The Pledge of Allegiance was written in 1892 by Francis Bellamy for "The Youth's Companion" magazine in Boston. The phrase was printed on leaflets and sent to schools around the country. School children began reciting the pledge the same year -- 12 million students recited it to commemorate the 400-year anniversary of Columbus' voyage. The phrase took on a few different revisions over the years. The phrase "under God," which has created much controversy, was added in 1954 by President Eisenhower.