COLLIER COUNTY -FLA.
A Collier County principal is requiring students to stand during the national anthem at school events or face ejection.
Lely High School Principal Ryan Nemeth told students during video announcements they’ll be ejected from school sporting events if they refuse to stand for “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
Nemeth told students the issue is very important to him, and the policy applies to students at all school-sponsored sporting events.
“You will stand, and you will stay quiet. If you dont.. you are going to be sent home, and you’re not going to have a refund of your ticket price,” he told them.
Adrianas Pena is on the basketball team, and she thinks Nemeth’s approach is a little harsh.
“He shouldn’t be ejecting people just because they don’t wanna stand. Everybody has their voice to say something with it.”
She supports standing the anthem but thinks the administration could choose a better way to teach its students why they should stand.
“I think he should just say can you please stand up as a sign of respect for the people who are fighting for our rights.”
Karen Miller’s daughter attends Lely High. She agrees with Nemeth and thinks the policy is fair.
“I’ve told my children that they will stand and respect the flag,” she said.
“You are on school property. If this is the school policy, then you need to follow the school policy.”
The Collier County School District has not replied to requests for comment about its policy regarding the national anthem.