LOS ANGELES — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell expressed his strong disappointment in today's federal court ruling that leading students in the Pledge of Allegiance in public schools is unconstitutional.

"I am disappointed in today's ruling. Reciting the Pledge of Allegiance at the start of the school day is one of our country's great traditions and is an appropriate expression of patriotism to our country for students to learn and practice.

"As citizens across the nation come together in unprecedented ways to help victims of our country's worst natural disaster, traditions that unify us should be even more cherished.

"This ruling declares that leading students in the daily Pledge of Allegiance, as we know it today, is unconstitutional. The practical effect of this ruling is that certain schools in California that lead students in the pledge could be legally prohibited from doing so.

"I have asked my attorneys to work with the state Attorney General to review every legal avenue to protect student's right to participate in the Pledge of Allegiance. I will also be sending legal guidance to school districts in California on what this ruling means for their students and communities.

"At the end of the day, I strongly believe that every student in California should be able to express their patriotism by pledging allegiance to the flag. I hope when this matter is ultimately resolved, the courts will come to that same conclusion."