High schools and colleges across the U.S. are beginning to ban kneeling during the national anthem this week after seeing the impact that the protests had in the National Football League.
Leading the charge against the national anthem protests is Colorado Christian University, which has several varsity teams that compete in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference.
A statement released by the university on Wednesday said athletes are required to stand for the national anthem and that this is not a new position for the school:
Unfortunately, some of yesterday’s media coverage misrepresented CCU, specifically referencing our policy for student-athlete conduct during competition. The University athletic department has always required our student-athletes and coaches to stand respectfully for any pre-game or post-game prayers, as well as for the national anthem. Contrary to several reports, this is not a new position.
Parkway High School in Louisiana issued a statement Thursday that orders students to stand during the national anthem or face removal from the team.
The superintendent of the school district that Parkway High School belongs to said the school has complete discretion on how to handle the situation.
“Our principals and their coaching staffs have sole discretion in determining consequences should a student-athlete elect not to stand during the National Anthem,” Superintendent Scott Smith of Bossier Parish Schools said.
In Manatee County, Florida, high schools and middle schools received an email from the school district’s athletics supervisor, Jason Montgomery, that is against district rules for players not to stand for the national anthem.
“In regards to standing for the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem, the School District of Manatee County complies with both Federal Statute 36 U.S. Code § 301 and Florida Statute § 1003.44,” the statement said. “The Code of Student Conduct complies with all statutory requirements that include requiring a student to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem, unless excused in writing by a parent.”
Reported by: The Daily Wire