DATE: October 9, 2001
TO: Board of Supervisors
RE: Bringing the Pledge of Allegiance Back to the Classroom

Summary:
In the wake of the worst terrorist attacks in United States history, San Diego County and the Nation are experiencing a resurgence of American patriotism. Without regard to age, creed, ethnicity, gender, or political affiliation, many San Diegans are looking for ways to show support for the United States. Brian Wheeler is one such American.

Brian Wheeler is a Santana High School senior and the student representative on the Grossmont Union High School District Board of Trustees. This month, he will propose that the Pledge of Allegiance be formally reinstated within the Grossmont Union High School District. While the school district allows for the Pledge of Allegiance and other patriotic observances on campuses, it does not designate a specific time period for the Pledge of Allegiance, particularly in the district's high schools. Brian will propose that the school district designate a moment for students to recite the Pledge of Allegiance at the beginning of each school day.

Today's action supports a designated recitation time for the Pledge of Allegiance in school classrooms.

Recommendations:
SUPERVISOR DIANNE JACOB and SUPERVISOR GREG COX
1. Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to draft a letter for the Chair's signature to the Grossmont Union High School District issuing support for Brian Wheeler in his quest to urge the district to designate a moment for students to recite the Pledge of Allegiance at the beginning of each school day.

2. Adopt the attached Resolution expressing the Board's support for a daily recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance in classrooms.

3. Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to draft a letter for the Chair's signature urging all school districts to reinstate the Pledge of Allegiance at the beginning of each school day, if they do not already recite it, and to send the letter to all County school districts.

Fiscal Impact:
These actions can be performed within the existing budget.

Background:
In the wake of the worst terrorist attacks in United States history, San Diego County and the Nation is experiencing a resurgence of American patriotism. Businesses are awash in red, white and blue decorative
lighting. The American flag is posted in the windows of homes and cars. An impressive number of County employees are displaying Old Glory on their lapels while community groups and service organizations work
feverishly to raise money for the families of victims on the East Coast.

Following the attacks, the County of San Diego acted quickly to show its support for the United States by passing a resolution in support of President George W. Bush. The Board committed funds to the San Diego
County Blood Bank hoping to ease incremental costs of local blood donations after September 11, 2001. The Board unanimously agreed not to alter the incomes of military reservists employed by the County should the reservists be called to active duty.

Without regard to ethnicity, gender, age, creed or political affiliation, many San Diegans are looking for ways to show support for the United States. Brian Wheeler is one such American.

Brian Wheeler is a Santana High School senior and the student representative on the Grossmont Union High School District Board of Trustees. This month, he will propose that the Pledge of Allegiance be formally reinstated within the Grossmont Union High School District. While the school district allows for the Pledge of Allegiance and other patriotic observances on campuses, it does not designate a specific time period for the Pledge of Allegiance, particularly in the district's high schools. Brian will propose that the Pledge of Allegiance be said at the beginning of each school day.

Today's action supports a designated recitation time for the Pledge of Allegiance in school classrooms, adopts a resolution expressing the Board's support for a daily recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance in classrooms, and urges other school districts to reinstate the daily Pledge of Allegiance. It lends support to Brian Wheeler and other students who wish to recite the Pledge of Allegiance in their classrooms. We urge your support.

Sincerely,

DIANNE JACOB
Supervisor, Second District

GREG COX
Supervisor, First District