RIGHTS GROUPS QUESTION BOARD'S POSITION - After nearly two hours in executive session Tuesday night, the Bossier Parish School Board took no action in response to allegations that it violated students' First Amendment rights by requiring school athletes to stand during the National Anthem before games or possibly face suspension from participating.
According to a report in THE SHREVEPORT TIMES, several organizations —including the Freedom from Religion Foundation, and Secular Student Alliance— sent letters Oct. 5 outlining the allegations. This all stems from a statement Bossier Superintendent Scott Smith issued in September indicating Bossier School athletes would stand during the National Anthem before games or face consequences.
It all comes on the heels of the national controversy involving National Football League players "taking a knee" as a form of protest during the National Anthem before games. As of yet there has been no report of similar protests before high school games in Bossier Parish. In a related story: a high school in Texas has reversed its decision to expel a student for silent protest during the national anthem.
