I remember being in elementary school and thinking FOR MYSELF that the "under God" bit was bizarre and wasn't really thrilled about saying it

How do we know that elementary schoolers haven't made these observations for themselves?

Anonymous wrote:
Kneeling is a sign of respect, unlike standing.

America has gotten very confused indeed.

Hmm... There is definitely some confusion here.

Kneeling is a sign of respect, unlike standing.

America has gotten very confused indeed.

It’s on trend. And would make a good paragraph in a college admissions essay.

Anonymous wrote:Kneeling in elementary school might be disruptive. Keeping silent or remaining seated might be better ideas.

I'm a teacher and I would not have a problem with this if they could tell me why they are doing it.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Would you be supportive if the teacher took a knee?

No.

No. I'm a huge defender of free speech but this is totally inappropriate at any level of public school, much less elementary school. Keep your politics to yourself at work.

Then don't force people to listen to the anthem during work. It's only a song.

DP. I don't understand your point. Can you elaborate?

Sure. Pp is indicating that a teacher who kneels during the anthem is bringing their politics into the classroom. I'm suggesting that this wouldn't happen if the teacher wasn't forced to hear the song over the speaker system. Don't play the song and the teacher wouldn't be provided the opportunity to protest.

We're talking about the pledge. Not football. Elementary school.

And no, I would not support an elementary school teacher protesting the pledge in this manner.

The NFL players are doing it on a public stage to promote attention and discussion. Kneeling in a classroom doesn't have the same purpose. I would still be for it if the kid or teacher wanted to do it, but it would be better in a truly public place, not inside a classroom.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Would you be supportive if the teacher took a knee?

No.

No. I'm a huge defender of free speech but this is totally inappropriate at any level of public school, much less elementary school. Keep your politics to yourself at work.

Then don't force people to listen to the anthem during work. It's only a song.

DP. I don't understand your point. Can you elaborate?

Sure. Pp is indicating that a teacher who kneels during the anthem is bringing their politics into the classroom. I'm suggesting that this wouldn't happen if the teacher wasn't forced to hear the song over the speaker system. Don't play the song and the teacher wouldn't be provided the opportunity to protest.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Would you be supportive if the teacher took a knee?

No.

No. I'm a huge defender of free speech but this is totally inappropriate at any level of public school, much less elementary school. Keep your politics to yourself at work.

Then don't force people to listen to the anthem during work. It's only a song.

DP. I don't understand your point. Can you elaborate?

I fully support the NFL players taking a knee. Forced patriotism is meaningless. The players were silent, hats off, heads bowed, and respectful. In a classroom setting, one child kneeling while everyone else stands is disruptive. Even with all our problems, I believe kids should learn the Pledge. I would feel differently about a high school classroom. Elementary school kids are not old enough to understand this protest. They simply parrot their parents' beliefs. Let's allow them to be kids. They need to believe America is a great nation so that they can create that reality. One Nation. Indivisible. Liberty and Justice FOR ALL.

Anonymous wrote:If this is your idea...no.
If a kid thought of it on their own...yes

There is nothing more disgusting than adults pushing political issues on kids.

This. I would certainly support my 8th and 10th graders taking a knee during the pledge. Both kids are old enough and mature enough to make this decision, have taken or are taking civics, and have a good grasp on current events. BUT-- there are a lot of caveats. i the idea must be their own. Not mine. Not their peers. But something they believed was right and decided on their own to do. They had better be able to explain to me and to the administration why they made the decision to do this-- and have a good reason the revolves around their personal value system and social justice, and not say because athletes are doing it or because I hate Trump. And they had better be respectful of their peers who choose to say the pledge and be as minimally disruptive as possible. I would fully support them respectfully, peacefully protesting injustice. I would have no patience for simply following the crowd, being trendy, or not having a firm grasp on the significance of their actions.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Would you be supportive if the teacher took a knee?

No.

No. I'm a huge defender of free speech but this is totally inappropriate at any level of public school, much less elementary school. Keep your politics to yourself at work.

Then don't force people to listen to the anthem during work. It's only a song.

No reason, why is this such a big deal now? Stupid.

Anonymous wrote:Would you be supportive if the teacher took a knee?

Yes, I absolutely would. Everyone has a right to protest at any point provided it's within the scope of the law, which this is.

I would only allow/support my child if they could adequately discuss why they were doing what they were. 'Because my friends are. Because the NFL players are." Would not cut it. The decision would have to be personal.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Would you be supportive if the teacher took a knee?

No.

No. I'm a huge defender of free speech but this is totally inappropriate at any level of public school, much less elementary school. Keep your politics to yourself at work.