UPDATE::Elmira school district: Students can sit during Pledge of Allegiance | Star-Gazette | stargazette.com

“The first I have heard of any allegation such as this was in the letter sent to the district (Tuesday) from The Appignani Humanist Legal Center, indicating that a female sophomore had reported such a claim,” Elmira Superintendent Hillary Austin said in an email Wednesday.

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The statement read, in part: “As a general matter, the District is very well aware of each student's right under United States Supreme Court and Second Circuit Court of Appeals precedent to decline participation in the Pledge. The District also welcomes community dialogue on freedom of speech, civic engagement, and the right to be free from political compulsion. ”

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Austin said the district does plan to respond to the association.

• The district’s email to staff outlined the following points:
• Students cannot be compelled to salute the flag, recite the pledge, or even stand in silence.
• Students cannot be excluded from the room during the pledge.
• Students must be permitted to sit quietly during the pledge

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• District employees may not retaliate against students who opt out and should appropriately take and refer complaints from students regarding any inappropriate behaviors without taking sides in the debate,,,
• All students may have opinions on the matter and may express those opinions in appropriate settings and at appropriate times,,,

Elmira school district: Students can sit during Pledge of Allegiance | Star-Gazette | stargazette.com