In a major move, Florida students are forced to stand during the National Anthem. This was announced by Orange County Public Schools.
What triggered this move? Students in a school district followed the lead of Colin Kaepernick and knelt in solidarity during the National Anthem.
According to WSBTV, was told by officials that they are simply following state law when it comes to the Pledge of Allegiance. There is a very strict and controversial stature that required unadulterated participation in patriotic gestures.
Here is part of the statute:
Each district school board may adopt rules to require, in all of the schools of the district, programs of a patriotic nature to encourage greater respect for the government of the United States and its national anthem and flag … When the national anthem is played, students and all civilians shall stand at attention, men removing the headdress, except when such headdress is worn for religious purposes … Upon written request by his or her parent, the student must be excused from reciting the [pledge of allegiance], including standing and placing the right hand over his or her heart. When the pledge is given, unexcused students must show full respect to the flag by standing at attention
Eventually it may surface that it is Unconstitutional to force students to stand. Previously, the 112th Circuit of Appeals has found this to be a violation of the First Amendment. What do you think about this? Do you agree?
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