The (Christian) Pledge of Allegiance?

Many people believe that saying the pledge of allegiance often is a vital part of being an American, however, is this the only way one can "pledge" their "allegiance" to America? The line "under God" in the pledge creates much controversy and non-religious and atheist Americans feel that being forced to quote this line in the pledge is contradictory to American principles. 

One of the biggest debates concerning this topic is in the school class room where students across America are often made to recite the pledge, sometimes including "under God" and sometimes not. It is my belief that we should not force students to quote the pledge, especially the line "under God". Some people say that America was founded under Christian principles and thus "under God" is a necessary line in the pledge. But, if this country was truly founded on Christian principles wouldn't it be morally right to give people the freedom to choose weather or not you said the pledge. Jesus did not force people to believe him. Jesus was kind and just to everyone, sinners and believers alike. And Jesus would not force people to recited pledges of allegiance to him. If a follower wanted to pledge himself to the word of Jesus he would do it on his own accord, not of Jesus's. So coming back to the main argument why would a country based on Christian principle believe it is of Christian thinking to force students to pledge allegiance to the country and to God. 

This kind of thinking is not just and forcing students to pledge their allegiance when it includes this line is not just and not fair to the Americans around the country who do not believe in God.