While other schools have entire teams sitting or kneeling during the playing of the National Anthem, one school has taken a hard stand against it. The first time you kneel you will be punished. The punishment for the first offense is a two game suspension. The second time, you are off the football team for good. The Diocese of Camden has set a no tolerance policy on disrespect.
Some claim it is a violation of free speech, but it’s a private organization and as such, they can set their own terms as far as protests are concerned. The students do not have the right to protest.
The statement reads:
“Our schools are founded on the teaching of respect and honor — respect and honor for God, country and duly appointed authority. It is expected that our administration and coaches as well as our athletes will show respect during prayer, pledges and the playing or singing of the national anthem.”
From The Conservative Tribune:
If these students want to do something about racial injustice in America, that is fine. However, disrespecting the flag, and those who died for it, is no way to enact change.
No matter what Colin Kaepernick and a few like him may think, refusing to stand for the national anthem only turns people against their cause and increases divisions in this country — divisions these so-called “protesters” claim they want to end.