[Photo: File Liz Kern]
FRESNO, CA (KMJ) – Fresno Unified responds to a parent outraged over the district’s policy on kneeling.
Parent “Kevin” is related to someone working in the Fresno Unified School District and says an email was sent out Monday to staff regarding the district’s position on the National Anthem and Pledge of Allegiance.
“Basically, what they said is ‘this is an educational opportunity to have discussions, it’s essential that everybody has a right to their beliefs and ideologies and expressing them without disrupting the educational environment. if students or adults choose not to stand during the pledge of allegiance that is their right.'” – Kevin, F.U.S.D. Parent.
As the father of two children attending a Fresno Unified School, Kevin says their policy is not right.
“At this age the children need to be taught about respect, and whether it’s the National Anthem or the Pledge of Allegiance or their parents or their teacher – this is taking a step in the wrong direction, as far as respect.” – Kevin, F.U.S.D. Parent.
Fresno Unified School District released the following response:
Our district adheres to the 1943 Supreme Court case law, West Virginia State Board of Education vs. Barnette, which established that schools can not require students to salute the United States flag, recite or stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. However, the pledge of allegiance and flag salute continue to be a weekly part of our schools experiences and we encourage students, staff and parents to participate in it as they feel is appropriate. As such, we have given our schools the necessary guidance to ensure that all students have the right to an environment that is respectful and safe despite our differing beliefs.
Click below to listen to the report by KMJ’s Liz Kern:
