A national controversy sparked by the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance in classrooms has not yet worked its way through State College public schools.

The most recent, well-known conflict began when Michael Newdow, an atheist from Elk Grove, Calif., sued the United States Congress, the state of California and local school district parties.

Newdow filed the suit because the public school, which his daughter attended, required the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance including the utterance of "one nation under God," which he found offensive and in violation of the First Amendment.

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals held on June 26, 2002, that the addition of "under God" and the teacher-led recitation were unconstitutional.

To date, the ruling stands, but the United States Supreme Court agreed to hear the case Oct. 14 for a final ruling to be decided by next year.

Almost half a century ago, Congress inserted the controversial phrase, "one nation under God," into the Pledge of Allegiance to signify the values for which the flag stands -- unity, indivisibility, liberty and justice.

Patricia Best, superintendent of the State College Area School District, said the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance is school code and will continue to be delivered at the beginning of each day regardless of the controversy that has been brewing in California.

"We need to follow what's in the school code, which is to say the pledge. And we will do that to start our day in each classroom," Best said.

Disha Jain (sophomore-kinesiology) agreed with the school district's policy.

She said the pledge demonstrates the unification of the country and is a positive addition to the classroom.

"I think it's a good idea, because it brings everyone together to show we are one. Religion-wise, I feel there is one God and everyone should believe how they want, as long as you believe, you believe," Jain said.

David Davis (senior-journalism), on the other hand, does not agree that students should be forced to say the Pledge of Allegiance, but it should be left to his or her choice.

"I think it should be an option. Every person should have the choice whether to pledge to this country," Davis said.

Larry Frankel, a legislative director for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Pennsylvania, said the Constitution protects the rights of all students to remain silent during the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.

"[The ACLU] does not believe that students should be forced to say an oath of 'under God,' because as a free country we don't force this. That is the essence of freedom," Frankel said.

For the international student body in the State College Area School District, Best said the pledge is a matter of respect and will hopefully not begin a controversy.

"We ask [the international students] to respect our nation, but not to salute our flag ... if religious observation is involved. The point is not to start a conflict," Best added.

The Pledge of Allegiance in the classroom can unify the students and encourage patriotism, she added.

The Associated Press contributed to this report