The Pledge of Allegiance

I believe that schools should not force students to say the pledge of allegiance because it goes against students freedom of speech."...One nation, under god..." If schools are using religion in schools then they are breaking the first ammendment. I understand that the flag represents freedom and by saying the pledge you are showing that you are an american citizen and proud of it.  Not everybody believes in what the flag stands for so they should not be forced to say it. I personally say the pledge because it shows respect to the people that do say the pledge but not everyone wants to say it because they aren't like me. I am thankful that our soldiers fight to protect our rights and other countries rights for freedom but if the government is taking our freedom to not say the pledge then isn't that being hypocritical? I remember when my friend chose to sit down during the pledge and a teacher told him he has to stand up and he kept on saying no. Eventually they walked outside and talked and came back in and he was allowed to sit down, so he got what he wanted but why does he have to explain himself to a teacher? I believe you shouldn't have to do that, unless they are talking and being rude while others are saying the pledge.