Camden (NJ) Diocese: Student Athletes Who Don’t Stand for the Anthem Will Be Suspended… or Worse

[Lordquinton]

Proud to have Colin Kaepernick on the 49ers, the issue here is police brutality. Makes it easy to spot the bad guys, for example:

Superintendent Mary P. Boyle addressed the letter to school presidents, principals, athletic directors and coaches.

“In light of the recent controversy regarding the NFL player’s refusal to stand for the National Anthem, I seek to clarify the position of the Office of Catholic Schools,” Boyle wrote. “… Our schools are founded on the teaching of respect and honor; respect and honor for God, country and duly appointed authority.

“It is expected that our administration and coaches as well as our athletes will show respect during prayer, pledges and the playing or singing of the National Anthem. … We are not public institutions and free speech in all of its demonstrations, including protests is not a guaranteed right. Failure to demonstrate appropriate respect will result in suspension from play (2 games) or dismissal from the team for subsequent offenses.“

[gopiscrap]

1. fuck that

forced patriotism isn't patriotism at all

[Warpy]

2. YOU MUST CONFORM!

Well, it is coming from a patriarchal religious organization, so they're SOL on the tolerance front.

Players have a right to protest peacefully. Players have a right to do the conventionally correct thing. Players have a right to sit the whole idiotic business out. Just don't expect to see these rights upheld much of anywhere except by the government which won't arrest anybody over it.

And no, standing doesn't dis protesting players. Conformity in this case looks like slacktivism.

[Dorian Gray]

4. The brave thing to do

is for every single student choosing to sit during the NA. If I were a parent of one of those students, I would support them to sit.

[Sherman A1]

3. Precisely

I hope that the athletes do whatever they feel is best for them, but as you say forced patriotism is nothing at all.

[Lordquinton]

7. To top it off, it's patriotism enforced by religion

There are so many layers here it's bringing me to tears, like an onion.

[trotsky]

5. All these soldiers died for your FREEDOM to do what ever you want!

We shall now FORCE you to honor our flag!

[Lordquinton]

8. Soldiers fought and died for your freedoms, which we are taking from you

They aren't even trying to hide it.

[NeoGreen]

6. Free Speech?

[Lordquinton]

9. Not if you go to Catholic school!

They don't guarantee it.