Over the past 2 years I’ve seen that multiple people in multiple different classes at Walton-Verona just don’t stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. Personally, I don’t stand for the pledge because I know I have the right not to. I wouldn’t say I stay seated out of protest; I remain seated because I understand the law and how our rights still apply even at school. Many people assume that not standing means someone is being disrespectful or unpatriotic. However, the Supreme Court ruled in West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette (1943) that students cannot be forced to salute the flag or recite the Pledge of Allegiance. That decision made it clear that freedom of speech also includes the right not to speak. Schools cannot require students to participate if it goes against their personal beliefs or choices. Choosing not to stand doesn’t mean someone hates their country. For some students, it may be about personal beliefs. For others, it may be about understanding their constitutional rights. Just like students have the right to stand and recite the pledge proudly, they also have the right to sit quietly without causing disruption. At the end of the day, respecting freedom means respecting both choices. Whether a student stands or remains seated, what matters most is that we allow each other to exercise our rights without judgment!