A Louisiana high school principal sent out a memo this week that said student-athletes at his school who do not stand for the national anthem would be benched and, in some cases, kicked off the team.
The Shreveport Times reported that Parkway High School principal Waylon Bates is taking a stand against people who opt to take a knee during the national anthem prior to games.
"Parkway High School requires student athletes to stand in a respectful manner throughout the national anthem during any sporting event in which their team is playing," the memo reads. "Failure to comply will result in loss of playing time and/or participation as directed by the head coach and principal. Continued failure to comply will result in removal from the team.
"Parkway High School is committed to creating a positive environment for sporting events that is free of disruption to the athletic contest or game."
A handful of National Football League players had been taking a knee during the national anthem to protest perceived police brutality toward African-Americans. President Donald Trump weighed in on the controversy last Friday, which resulted in more than 200 players taking a knee before games Sunday and Monday. Every team made some sort of statement, whether it was locking arms or staying in the locker room during the song.
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