While most public schools give up on the Pledge of Allegiance around the time they start teaching about, say, sperm, American University (AU) junior Tom Carter managed to resurrect the pledge’s quaint stanzas for his college’s student government meetings. The resolution, narrowly approved by AU’s General Assembly, calls for the Stars and Stripes to be present at GA meetings, and for an “entirely voluntary” recital of the pledge after roll call. Carter deflects criticism, pointing out that it is, after all, the “American University.” And despite AU’s sizable population of international students, Carter claims that he didn’t receive one complaint from foreign collegians. Unfortunately, Carter’s triumph is ephemeral: The resolution will die after this year’s sole remaining GA meeting, and he’ll have to start from scratch. “We’re hoping it will set a precedent,” he says brightly.