NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — The ACLU of Louisiana sent a letter today, Sept. 15, to all public school districts in the state stating that it is impermissible to punish students who choose not to stand during the Pledge of Allegiance.
According to the ACLU’s office in New Orleans, it has received complaints of students being punished for sitting rather than standing for the pledge.
In a written statement, ACLU of Louisiana Executive Director Marjorie Esman says, “Such punishments violate the clear rulings of the U.S. Supreme Court and the fundamental rights of your students. Simply put, any punishment of a student who lawfully exercises a Constitutional right is impermissible.”
The letter tells the school districts that it is their obligation to protect students’ First Amendment rights.
Click here to read the full letter.
