A New Jersey high student is standing up against an atheist lobbying group in its attempt to remove “under God” from the Pledge of Allegiance.
For the second time, the American Humanist Association has filed a lawsuit claiming the Pledge of Allegiance discriminates against children who don’t believe in God, according to Charisma Magazine.
Described as John and Jane Doe and the child, the Monmouth County family, sued the Matawan-Aberdeen Regional School District in February.
Samantha Jones, a senior at Highland Regional High School, is fighting back.
"I've been reciting the Pledge since preschool, and to me the phrase 'one nation under God' sums up the history and values that have made our country great," Jones said in a video. "I think it's empowering to know that, no matter what happens, I have some rights the government can never take away. No student should be silenced just because some people disagree with timeless American values."
The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty represents Jones. Freehold, New Jersey attorneys James A. Paone of Lomurro, Davison, Eastman & Muñoz in are acting as local counsel on the case.
The American Legion and Knights of Columbus have also joined the lawsuit in support of the school district.
Publication date: November 21, 2014
