Since last June, when the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the Pledge of Allegiance is unconstitutional because it contains the words "under God," the nation has hotly debated the precise meaning of this phrase and all of the implications that go along with it.
The two 9th Circuit Court judges who wrote the majority opinion weren't kooky when they made their decision -- their arguments were based on historical circumstances and a careful, conservative interpretation of the Constitution. Their reasoning, however, is ultimately shortsighted and fails to take into account the so-called "ceremonial deism" that pervades American patriotism and culture.
Last Tuesday the 9th Circuit granted a 90-day stay on their original ruling, anticipating a probable Supreme Court hearing on the issue in late April. If Michael Newdow had gotten his way, however, 9.6 million schoolchildren in nine Western states would have stopped reciting the Pledge of Allegiance as of yesterday -
Read More
EDITORIAL: Spanberger, do not follow in the pattern of our last governor
By Editorial Board | 4 hours agoSpanberger must recognize the importance of moderation, which uplifts, not denigrates, the institutional autonomy of universities like our own.
CASTAGNO: Bring back standardized tests
By Conall Costagno | 6 days agoAn increase in access to both test-taking and preparation materials since the pandemic — along with existing methods to make scoring more equitable — should warrant a switch back to requiring students to report standardized test scores when applying to the University.
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: Three years on
By Naima Sawaya | November 13, 2025This year feels particularly significant because, after today’s fourth years graduate in May, the vast majority of undergraduate students who experienced the shooting will no longer be on Grounds.
