Indianapolis, IN asked in Education Law and Constitutional Law for Indiana

Q: Can the school force us to stand during the pledge of allegiance?

Due to recent events with the election and Trump winning, students have chosen to peacefully protest by sitting down during the pledge of allegiance. Today, 11/10, the vice principal came inside my classroom after the pledge of allegiance and stated that we will stand during the pledge and if we continue to sit down then we will be written up with a detention.

1 Lawyer Answer
Paul Stanko
Paul Stanko
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Plymouth, IN
  • Licensed in Indiana

A: The Vice Principal should discuss his policy with the school attorney. If you do get "written up", consult an attorney. While it seems futile to protest the election after the fact, that does not deprive you of the right to peacefully express yourself politically.

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