March 10, 2021 rustlernews.com
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TAKING A STAND WITHOUT STANDING by Kerrigan Edwards, editor in chief
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n light of recent that the phrase does racial and religious not apply to everyone oppression, junior anymore. Kairi Lising shares “When ‘Under,’ was why she does not first added to the stand for the Pledge pledge, it was during of Allegiance, and its the red scare, and they meaning. wanted to do this to “I [stopped] standing strengthen this idea of for the pledge ever community in America. since I became aware But, in doing that, it of the injustices that completely contradicts have become clear our freedom of over the past year,” religion,” she said. Lising said. “I found Lising finds it difficult that I can’t stand to pledge at all when for something that she considers the pledges ‘liberty and totalitarian states justice for all,’ when that are using similar there isn’t.” Junior Kairi Lising chooses to sit in protest tactics. When she was a while her classmates recite the Pledge. “It just reinforces this kid, Lising was not Photo by Kerrigan Edwards. hypernationalism that informed about what can be dangerous,” the pledge really she said. meant. When she found out, she realized Lising has remaining faith in her country and that it didn’t seem fair. hopes that one day, change will happen. “For America being this country of diversity, “When I sit for the pledge, I’m not telling this pledge that we were all supposed to say everyone to sit with me. I’m not looking at [wasn’t] diverse enough,” she said. it as a reason to antagonize anyone. I’m When looking at the religious aspect simply using it as a tool to speak without included in “under God,” Lising believes speaking.”
Pledge objection history: 1943- West Virginia v. Barnette Declares that the First Amendment, under the Free Speech Clause will protect students from the enforcement of Outcome: The Supreme Court denies review. for the American flag, or reciting the Pledge of Allegiance 2004- Elk Grove Unified School District v. Newdow. The Supreme Court does not rule the legality of “under God” in relation to the First Amendment. 2008- Frazier v. Winn The Supreme Court denies review of a case regarding a Florida state law which requires all students to stand for the pledge unless an excusal note is received from the students parents. 2014- Jane Doe v. Acton-Boxborough Regional School District The Supreme Court disagrees with an opposer composed of the American Humanist Association, parents and teachers. Opposers argue that “under God” violates the equal protection clause of the state constitution.
by Kerrigan Edwards, editor in chief “Activism means opening up my own insecurities of myself to others in a way that makes growth and learning possible.” Dalayna Christenson, a Bozeman resident, has been spending the last few months devoting herself to fighting against racial injustice, and standing up for minorities. “This time has shown me how little I actually know about how racism affects our nation, which is embarrassing to admit. I have been trying to educate myself and others by opening up uncomfortable conversations and reading about the history of racism in our country. I have a lot of work to do,” Christenson said. Working with Bozeman United for Racial Justice, Christenson was tasked with creating an email list that would motivate people to learn about future actions in Bozeman. “A large portion was communicated through Facebook, but even more was word of mouth, I think. Because we were all mostly stuck at home due to COVID, I think many people were extra tuned into social media
and ready to attend an action because all other plans were canceled,” she said. The first protest was held in June, and more than 8,000 people attended to listen to speakers and be a voice for minorities. There was a great turnout; some sources said over 8,000 showed up that day. It was incredibly moving to see so many people out in masks during such an unsure time. “The crowd was very peaceful and attentive to each other. There were many speakers throughout the action that held the undivided attention of thousands of people,” Christenson said. In reflection of her volunteer time, Christenson realizes what it takes to defeat racism once and for all. “I learned more than I can explain, but in short I took to heart that it is not the responsibility of the affected minorities to fight for themselves. It is up to white people to listen to bipoc voices and to do the work and to make the changes that are needed to make healing of systemic racism
THE PROTESTING OF CIVIL INJUSTICE IN
Black LIves Matter protest on June 5th 2020, in Bozeman, Montana. Photos by Yasmine Jarecke.
