A dozen members of the World of Inquiry School’s men’s soccer team knelt during the National Anthem before a game against Bishop Kearney Thursday evening. Seven members stood.
All 18 members of the boy’s team knelt during the National Anthem before the Aquinas game Tuesday night. Other high school and college players have done this nationwide since Colin Kaepernick and other NFL players began kneeling during the anthem to protest racial inequality.
World of Inquiry Principal Sheela Webster says she and the school’s athletic director spoke with the team Thursday, acknowledging students’ First Amendment right to protest, but stressing the need to be dignified and respectful while doing it. Webster says she also stressed that respect includes keeping school officials and coaches informed about what they plan to do.
The school district says the coach and team staff weren’t aware that the team planned to protest on Tuesday. The city school district says students have the freedom to exercise their 1st Amendment rights, but they want to know the students are making a well-informed decision with the consent of their parents and knowledge of the school staff.