Listen to this article 9th Grader Sues Over Pledge Of Allegiance Dispute
Introduction
A ninth-grade student from South Carolina is suing a teacher, principal, school district, and state education officials after she was reportedly accosted for not reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. The incident allegedly occurred when the student, Marissa Barnwell, was walking to class and chose not to stop for the pledge or a moment of silence that followed. In response, a teacher yelled at her, confronted her, and pushed her against a wall. Barnwell’s parents are now suing for violations of their daughter’s civil and First Amendment rights.
9th-grader sues over Pledge of Allegiance incident with teacher
Marissa Barnwell, a 15-year-old student, was walking to class one day when she decided not to stop for the Pledge of Allegiance or the moment of silence that followed. As she was walking quietly, a teacher reportedly accosted her, yelling at her and pushing her against a wall. The incident left Barnwell feeling humiliated, and she was sent to the principal’s office. Although the principal sent her back to class, Barnwell claims he never acknowledged that the teacher was in the wrong.
Student’s Pledge of Allegiance lawsuit targets teacher and school district
Barnwell’s parents are now suing the River Bluff High School teacher, the principal, Lexington School District 1, and the South Carolina Education Department in federal court for violating their daughter’s civil and First Amendment rights. The lawsuit claims that Barnwell had the right to choose whether or not to recite the Pledge of Allegiance or remain silent, and that the teacher’s actions were a violation of her freedom of speech.
Lawsuit filed over Pledge of Allegiance confrontation in South Carolina school
While a state law requires public schools to play the Pledge of Allegiance at a specific time each day, it also prohibits punishing anyone who refuses to recite the pledge as long as they are not disruptive or infringing on others. The lawyer representing Barnwell’s family notes that students should feel safe in schools and not face threats for exercising their rights, highlighting the significance of protecting students’ constitutional rights.
School’s response to Pledge of Allegiance lawsuit filed by student in South Carolina
Lexington School District 1 has not yet responded to the lawsuit, but its attorney is reportedly working on a response. The school’s website indicates that both the teacher and principal involved in the incident are still working at the school.
Conclusion
Marissa Barnwell’s lawsuit is a reminder of the importance of protecting students’ constitutional rights in schools. While a state law requires public schools to play the Pledge of Allegiance each day, it’s crucial to ensure that students have the freedom to choose whether or not to recite it. Schools should also strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for all students, where they can exercise their rights without fear of retribution.
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