Survey Results and Comments from National Anthem Protests Poll - October 22, 2017


If students at your school/district protested by sitting or kneeling during the national anthem, what best describes how you would feel?

 

I would be strongly opposed to such a protest.—————————38.7%

I would be moderately opposed.————————————————4.8%

I would moderately approve of their right to protest in this manner.—-16.1%

I would be strongly in favor of their right to protest in this manner.——31.4%

Other —————————————8.8%

 Total Responses = 124

27 people wrote comments.  All of the comments may be viewed below.

Many people including children do not believe there is liberty and justice for all and the truth not everything is fair and just...but then how do we create an environment in which we all have a sense of justice? The flag is a symbol of freedom and we fought for that freedom. We need to do a better job of teaching historical facts and not rewriting history to make a point. We stood tall on 9/11 and now we need to stand taller!! A constant debatable topic with many questions/answers/goals Anonymous
Not the time or place to protest! Anonymous
My answer is premised on what I feel would need to follow: a good discussion with the student to see if s/he had really thought this through or was doing it to gain attention or as a copycat. Anonymous
This disrespect has gone too far. It must be ended. Anonymous
I would explain why I think it is wrong and that there are better ways to protest. It is important that we respect our veterans. Anonymous
Having worked in NYC public middle schools for over 10 years with students with diverse backgrounds, I had to deal with such issues years ago but for different reasons. I looked to understand why they were doing it and have students read/write the the words to the pledge and provide what it meant to them. Anonymous
I strongly support the right of an individual to express themselves in this manner. If however they are representing the school as a team member, then they should represent the school's viewpoint. This would mean that all athletes should stand. Not standing would result in a consequence, possibly removal from the team. Participation in athletics is a privilege that comes with a responsibility to represent community values and ideals. Anonymous
I do believe in a person's right to protest. It is a country given right. However, there are other ways to voice your concerns. This issue has helped divide the country even more than it has been divided. Anonymous
I would strongly be in favor if I was confident they were knowledgeable about the reasons for the protest. Anonymous
The only thing that might upset me about students publicly protesting in this manner was if they were protesting for something trivial or unhealthy (i.e. right to cut class whenever they wanted or smoke cigarettes) Anonymous
Shouldn't we try to make turn actions into learning opportunities? Anonymous
If one is born in America, or who have legally become a United States Citizen they should abide by our customs and assimilate. Anonymous
free speech Anonymous
The real issue has been displaced. The point of the kneeling or fist raising was supposedly about police shootings of blacks, but it was turned into respect for the anthem and flag. It is disingenuous to substitute the kneeling for the shootings! However, there is a needed debate: who is being killed by police or dying in custody. Often the victims of the shootings are armed, dangerous, using drugs or engaged in criminal actions with a history of violence but this is never discussed!! Anonymous
I would suggest that there are more effective ways to make their feelings known Anonymous
The caveat would be to have those submit a substantive paper articulating their rationale and to require that they twice attend an open discussion regarding the Second Amendment and Carl Shurz complete statement “my country right or wrong. When right to be kept right. When wrong to be made right”. Anonymous
I have not had any, but I would be happy to see a student standing up for their rights at a young age as long as they understand it. Anonymous
This is an example of free speech, a legal right. However, I would hope students would be protesting for something more important than removing the soda machine from the gym. Anonymous
As long as they knew why they were doing it! Anonymous
Young people need to have a cl Anonymous
Kneeling has always been a sign of respect. We kneel before the Cross. We kneel before Kings or Queens. Why can we not kneel to honor those who have been so disrespected. Anonymous
My feeling is strongly opposed, but I would have to respect their right to do so. Anonymous
I would want to find out “why” Anonymous
As teachers it is our responsibility to engender in students a sense of justice and to acquaint them with the right of free speech and protest. Anonymous
And I would be devastated that we haven’t taught them just what the anthem means! That is what has gotten lost in all of this!! Anonymous
Frankly I prefer kneeling. It sends a different message. At least that's how it is received by my generation. But I'm also a 57 year old middle class white male. Anonymous
As a family of Veterans I see it as disrespecting the nation that provides for all of us. I'm against those that would do this or burn the flag. Anonymous

Views: 90

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