Mayor Wants College to Reinstate Pledge

Mayor Randal J. Bressette will ask the City Council tonight to join two other South County cities in urging Saddleback College students to reinstate the Pledge of Allegiance at school meetings.

The city would follow San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano in calling for the Associated Student Government of Saddleback College to resume reciting the pledge before ASG meetings.

“Elected [officials] in the South County area, especially the area serviced by Saddleback Community College, have to show some leadership on this issue,” Bressette said. “At public meetings, especially one funded by public dollars, the Pledge of Allegiance should start the meeting.”

ASG President Jeff Haskell could not be reached for comment. However, the students have resisted attempts from city governments and veterans groups to influence them to change their policy.

Saddleback College student officials discontinued reciting the pledge last year, saying it was insensitive to minorities, atheists and foreign students. The current administration continued the policy.

“My understanding is that they feel that the Pledge of Allegiance is not reflective of our society,” Bressette said. “I disagree with that. The pledge is truly reflective of a society that has fought for freedom for groups like [the Saddleback College student government] to make the decision they are making.”