 Directs State Attorney General to File Amicus Brief When Case Goes to Supreme Court June 28, 2002
"When we come together in our schools, churches and public meetings and say the Pledge of Allegiance, we express our unity as a country and further strengthen the bonds that make us Americans," said Knowles. "While I believe in and have sworn to uphold the Constitution, including the separation of church and state, I do not agree with the court decision finding the Pledge of Allegiance unconstitutional. It's not right, it makes no sense, and it should not stand." The court ruled that the phrase "under God," added to the pledge in 1954, placed the pledge in violation of the Bill of Rights to the U.S. Constitution. Article I of the Bill of Rights says "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion." Implementation of the appeals court ruling is on hold pending any appeals. "I have directed the Attorney General of Alaska to file an amicus brief in the U.S. Supreme Court when this decision is appealed," said Knowles. "I also want all Alaskan schoolchildren and their parents to know that Alaska's law remains unchanged by this decision at this time." State Statute 14.03.130 requires the Pledge of Allegiance to be recited regularly in schools. Students who are at all troubled by reciting the pledge may choose not to participate. "I was 11 years old when the phrase 'Under God' was inserted into the Pledge of Allegiance," concluded Knowles. "These moments when we join together in our schools and communities and state the pledge are important. I don't know of anyone who thinks that coming together and saying the Pledge of Allegiance in any way infringes on the constitutional separation of church and state. What's next - banning the money we carry in our pockets that says 'In God We Trust?' "
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