See if you can guess which phrase caused the denizens of this middle school to poop their pants…

Bailey
said that guidance counselor Margo Lucero substituted the phrase for
“under God” while leading the morning pledge at Everitt Middle School
on Wednesday.

Bailey said the incident shocked her and her classmates, many of whom stopped in mid-sentence and exchanged bewildered looks.

Principal Kathleen Norton was out of the building during the
incident, but apologized Thursday to the student body and today will be
sending letters of apology to parents.

“It was completely inappropriate,” Jefferson County School District
Superintendent Cindy Stevenson said. “We completely believe any teacher
or student has the right to follow their individual conscience,
however, when leading children, you adhere to the Pledge of
Allegiance.”
. . .
Students were questioning whether what the counselor did was right.

“It kind of changed some kids’ day,” Bailey said.

“Some of them believe in God and thought it was wrong for her to change it.”

Bailey’s mother, Shelley, said, “The school intercom system is not
the correct means for voicing one’s personal political opinions.”

The district agrees.

“If you have a problem with the pledge, that’s your issue,”
Stevenson said. “Adults should not try to influence children with their
personal conscience.”

With the way these people are
reacting, it must be serious. Perhaps the pledge was changed to “under
Satan” or, even worse, “under Allah”. Well…not quite…

“One nation, under ‘your belief system.’ “

Sometimes
I’m embarrased to live in a country so religious and xenophobic that a
simple act of inclusivity demands letters of apology and a
reprimand.