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1. Speaking as a guy who swears way too often, (as I'm tempted to do right now), I'm really annoyed by their decision not to include boys in this, no matter what the circumstances may be.
   It's illogical, which genuine sexism always is.

   Posted By: Paul Keen

2. This is truly amazing.
   An absolutely perfect example of a double standard, with the adults apparently in absolute denial.
   A Catholic school should be working strongly towards the abolition of 'taking the name of the Lord in vain' for all its students (and staff).
   After that, vulgar language, which isn't swearing, despite the language we all use about it to children.

   Posted By: Joan Seymour

3. No minor should ever be asked to 'solemnly swear' anything.
   This is an abuse of authority and also the promotion of double standards. Encouraging all students to quietly clean out their mouths would be far better.
   George Coppard, a 'Tommy' in the Great War, wrote about the soldiers' language in his memoir 'With a Machine Gun to Cambrai' (1969). The closer the men were to the front the more brutally and basically 'Anglo-Saxon' was their language. As they moved back it changed. Their language reflected the horrors they were involved in.
   Have the school authorities asked their students why their language is foul and violent? This is something that could be explored.
   I'm sure the motivation of the people in the school in question was good but their approach is harmful at two levels: it trivialises the solemnity of an oath and promotes a double standard of behaviour.

   Posted By: Fr Sean Coyle

4. I am reminded of the 'Olden days' when as part of the Confirmation ceremony we were all expected to 'take the pledge'.
   I didn't feel it was a promise I was likely to keep, so remained silent, the majority said the words with little thought. My friend took the promise so seriously that when she married at 20 she drank no champagne at her wedding.
   If the boys are not included this is discriminatory and why does this pledge only apply within the walls of the school.
   This language is unnecessary and there is rarely any objection if a person does not use it. Not a very well though through idea.

   Posted By: Margaret McDonald

5. Have to agree with Fr Sean Coyle.
   The ninepenny catechism forbade taking oaths which were false, rash, unjust or unnecessary.
   The blatant sexism displayed is to be expected; it's alive and well all over the world. Wouldn't happen here; such a notion would be laughed out of the schools.
   It seems that the school isn't so much concerned with taking the Almighty's name in vain as the use of intemperate language by the youg ladies. Does the same school also push for 'chastity rings'(dear to the hearts of many Xtians in the US) which are presented to adolescent girls at the prom by their Dads?

   Posted By: JR, Sydney

6. Yes, in the USA you find the best and worst of everything. Now I think they might also have the most ridiculous!
   It can be upsetting to hear young people swear badly, however, this will not help prevent swearing at all.
   As for girls only rules, what year is this?
   Discrimination!

   Posted By: Cate

7. I think the boys (and all staff) should take the same pledge, as gentlemen should act like gentlemen. I also think all the students (and staff) should pledge not to take God's name in vain, as that is even more sinful than swearing.

   Posted By: karen klaczak

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