DATE: July 16, 2002
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT: Pledging San Diego County's Allegiance to the Pledge of Allegiance

Summary:
On June 26, 2002, the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the Pledge of Allegiance is unconstitutional. Attorney General John Ashcroft has stated that the government will seek a rehearing.

Today's action publicly supports this country's existing Pledge of Allegiance by adopting a Resolution in support of the Pledge, urging all cities and school districts to adopt a similar resolution and urging the President to seek a rehearing of the case.

Recommendations:
SUPERVISOR DIANNE JACOB AND VICE CHAIRMAN GREG COX

1. Adopt the attached Resolution expressing the Board of Supervisors' support of the Pledge of Allegiance.

2. Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to draft a letter for the Chairman's signature urging the 18 cities and 43 school districts throughout the region to adopt a similar resolution.

3. Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to draft a letter for the Chairman's signature to George W. Bush, President of the United States, urging him to seek a rehearing and letting him know this County's official position of support for the Pledge of Allegiance.

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

Background:
The United States Pledge of Allegiance was first written in August of 1892 by Francis Bellamy, a Baptist minister. In 1954, Congress inserted the words "under God".

For decades, thousands of students, community members and government bodies across this great country have voluntarily recited the 31 word Pledge of Allegiance. Right now, halfway across the world, American soldiers are fighting for this country, its flag and its freedom.

On June 26, 2002, the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the Pledge of Allegiance is unconstitutional.

Attorney General John Ashcroft has stated that the government will seek a rehearing.

After the recent ruling, the entire Senate stood up against the action and with all members present, unanimously passed a Resolution to defend the constitutionality of the Pledge of Allegiance.

On October 9, 2001, this Board urged school districts to designate a moment for students to recite the Pledge of Allegiance at the beginning of each school day. Once again it is time to add our Board's public support for this country's Pledge of Allegiance by adopting a Resolution in support of the Pledge, urging all cities and school districts to adopt a similar resolution and urging the President of the United States to seek a rehearing of this case.

We urge your support.

Sincerely,


DIANNE JACOB
Supervisor, Second District

GREG COX
Vice Chairman