Group Protests Refusal to Salute the Flag

MISSION VIEJO —  About 30 veterans and students defiantly recited the Pledge of Allegiance at Saddleback College on Thursday in a low-key protest against a student body leader whose refusal to salute the flag has sparked controversy.

“We’re not pushing to force anybody to give the Pledge of Allegiance,” said 71-year-old George Key, a San Clemente resident and veteran of both World War II and the Korean War.

“We want the students to know that there are people out there who feel traditional values should be upheld,” said Key, who pointed out that he is a great-great-grandson of Frances Scott Key, who wrote the National Anthem.

The pledge, made at a student government meeting on campus, came after Jeff Haskell, 26, president of Associated Student Government, drew attention for his view that meetings should not begin with the salute to the flag.

Haskell upholds his predecessor’s views that the pledge might alienate atheists, minority groups and foreign students. The practice of reciting the pledge was discontinued at student government meetings last year.

“I think it’s hard for some people to fathom that other people have other beliefs,” Haskell said Thursday.

Haskell, who served in the Army for two years before transferring to the National Guard, thanked the veterans for coming to the meeting but did not join them in the pledge, nor did any of the other members of the student board.

Later, he and other board members engaged in a discussion of the issue with a handful of flag supporters and some members of the college district’s elected Board of Trustees.

“I’m welcoming them back to hear their comments and to meet with them on an individual basis,” Haskell said. “I have a great deal of respect for veterans.”

Both trustees and supporters of the flag salute are working for reinstatement of the pledge at student government meetings.

“We’ve recommended and urged that they reinstate it,” said Trustee John S. Williams, 44, adding that he is pushing for a campuswide referendum on the issue. “I still believe you have a constitutional right to say the pledge if you want to.”

Also, members of College Republican Students on campus are seeking inclusion of the issue on the agenda for the next student board meeting. If they succeed, the veterans will attend to reiterate their support for the American flag.

“You can bet we’ll be there,” said Dr. Richard Davis, 74, commander of Jewish War Veterans Post 680 and a veteran of World War II.