Nation & World News
California teen docked grade for sitting during pledge
By Cox Media Group National Content Desk
Sept 16, 2016California teenager Leilani Thomas has honored her Native American heritage since the second grade, sitting out the Pledge of Allegiance each morning.
But when San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick brought attention to that particular form of silent protest by sitting down during the national anthem before NFL games, one of Thomas’ teachers had a problem with her actions and docked her participation grade for not standing, the teen told KXTV.
“She told me I was being disrespectful and I was pretty mad,” Leilani said of her teacher at Lower Lake High School. “She was being disrespectful to me also, saying I was making bad choices, and I don’t have the choice to sit during the pledge.”
Konocti School District Superintendent Donna Becnel sided with Leilani and another student who sat during the pledge.
“They have the same rights when they walk into the schoolhouse that anybody else does,” Becnel said.
Leilani being interviewed by the news for being threatened to have her grade lowered, for not standing for the pledge at school. Proud of you babe, stand up for your rights!
Posted by Sandra Thomas on Tuesday, September 13, 2016
The superintendent said it is district policy to respect the students’ free speech. The school switched Leilani and her friend to another teacher after learning about the incident, Becnel said.
Leilani said she will continue her silent protest.
“I’m understanding it more that it means a lot and to a lot of my people also,” she said.
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