Civic issues on agenda for trustees

Tara McLaughlin, The Bakersfield Californian, October 21, 2007

In the name of patriotism, two Kern High School District trustees will propose policy changes at a special board meeting Monday morning. Chad Vegas will introduce a revised option to place posters of the national motto, "In God We Trust," in every district classroom.

After Vegas' first proposal met with opposition, he drafted a new one that would also require displaying the U.S. Constitution, the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights.

The issue sparked a public debate with residents as to whether Vegas' motive was civic education or religious indoctrination.

Bakersfield city Councilwoman Jacquie Sullivan asked Vegas to take up the cause after years earlier she received her copy of the poster created by the conservative Christian group, American Family Association.

Sullivan said her nonprofit group, In God We Trust -- America Inc. would donate the motto posters. Vegas' proposal calls for KHSD to pay for displaying the other documents, but Sullivan said she would help raise funds for those as well.

KHSD trustee Ken Mettler will introduce a change in current policy to eliminate the flag-raising ceremony as a qualifying location for saying the Pledge of Allegiance.

Acceptable options for reciting the pledge include first- or second-period classes or assemblies.

Both issues would be up for a vote at the Nov. 5 meeting.

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