A group of about 10 Roosevelt football players exercised their free speech rights prior to their game Saturday at Brandon Valley by taking a knee during the playing of the national anthem.
Though not as common within the high school ranks, kneeling during the Star-Spangled Banner has been a trend in the sports world — particularly at the professional level — as a form of peaceful protest against police brutality and racial injustice.
IN SPORTS: Ashley, stingy defense lift No. 1 Roosevelt over No. 2 Brandon Valley
Roosevelt coach Kim Nelson said Saturday they discussed the topic prior to their season opener, telling the players if they wanted to kneel they could, otherwise they should stand at attention.
Nelson continued: "(We told them), 'It's your right to do that and we'll honor that. Let's not try to draw any more attention to ourselves than that. Do it the right way and we're fine with it.'"
Requests to speak with Nelson and the players who decided to kneel during the anthem were denied Monday by the Sioux Falls School District.
In an email to school administrators on Aug. 3, South Dakota High School Activities Association executive director Dan Swartos restated the organization's response from Sept. 2017. While they encourage everyone to "stand and pay their respects" during the national anthem, the First Amendment protects the right to peaceful protest, including kneeling or sitting during its performance.
"The SDHSAA cannot disallow competitors, coaches, officials, or spectators from doing so," Swartos wrote. "We all have different opinions on this matter, and the fact that we are allowed to both have those thoughts and openly share them is a testament to our country and those who protect and serve it."
Swartos encouraged schools to address the topic at the local level. He also suggested asking players who are planning to protest to speak with their coach prior to doing so, so they can prepare for possible reactions and to "ensure the protest is done peacefully and respectfully."
"We hope it can be used as an educational opportunity for coaches and players," Swartos wrote. "High school sports and activities play a major role in the lives of our children. This situation, and concurrently the perspectives of your students, will develop locally according to how you as school leaders respond to it. Our hope and suggestion is that your responses are done with respect and an attempt to turn this into a positive learning experience for all involved."
Follow Brian Haenchen on Twitter at @Brian_Haenchen.
"do it" - Google News
September 01, 2020 at 03:03AM
https://ift.tt/2QDevdS
'Do it the right way': Roosevelt football players take knee during anthem - Argus Leader
"do it" - Google News
https://ift.tt/2zLpFrJ
https://ift.tt/3feNbO7
Bagikan Berita Ini
0 Response to "'Do it the right way': Roosevelt football players take knee during anthem - Argus Leader"
Post a Comment