Family Life

03.25.11 | Sarah Harnisch

  Atheist activist Michael Newdow has been battling the statement "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance for over 10 years.  According to the Christian Post, Newdow claims his fight is now officially "over." Newdow's website says that for reasons best not divulged, he has not been able to provide required materials to the Supreme Court, and, quote, "the case is now over."  Since March 2000, he has challenged the wording of the Pledge of Allegiance, arguing that its recitation in public schools is in violation of the U.S. Constitution's Establishment Clause because of the inclusion of the phrase "under God." He says there are 8,000 legal challenges to this every year. Of those, the courts hear only about 80, and of those, 99 percent are denied. He still has one challenge on the table, though. He wants the statement "so help me God" stricken from the oath of office.