The Great Smoky Mountain Journal

Staff, Wire Reports

Posted: Sunday, January 21, 2018 06:30 PM

Louisiana School District Tells Students, Players To Stand During National Anthem At Sporting Events or Face Consequences

A school district in Louisiana is requiring all its students to stand during the National Anthem when it plays at sporting events or during an extracurricular activity or face the consequences, CNN reports.

Superintendent of Bossier Parish Schools sent a letter to parents saying, "Freedom is not free. Each day the men and women at Barksdale Air Force Base and in other branches of the military in Bossier Parish and throughout the nation don a uniform and put their lives at risk as they proudly serve and protect us with honor. The least Bossier Schools can do is expect our student athletes to stand in solidarity when the National Anthem is played at sporting events in honor of those sacrifices."

The letter, given by the district to CNN, states that players and coaches should stand during the National Anthem, "in a show of respect." Those involved with other extra curricular activities that require a faculty sponsor should stand as well.

"It is a choice for students to participate in extracurricular activities, not a right," the letter continued.

The district is leaving it up to principals and coaching staff to determine consequences, according to the letter.