To the editor:

As a substitute teacher in the surrounding school districts, I have been exposed to many classroom situations. When substituting at one local high school, I was aware that some students did not stand for the morning “Pledge of Allegiance.” As a matter of fact, they were lying on the floor and made no attempt to demonstrate respect.

There has been a lot of debate regarding the “Pledge of Allegiance” and the words “under God.” The United States Congress has recently passed a resolution that affirms our Pledge of Allegiance is a demonstration of a patriotic act, not a statement of religious faith. It is never too early to teach integrity; to teach what is right and wrong, to teach doing the right thing. Integrity is a quality of good citizenship. Aren’t we supposed to be teaching citizenship in high school?

The student who disrespects the United States flag during the “Pledge of Allegiance” also disrespects that same flag when it is draped over the coffin of a service member who has died preserving that “option.” Try to explain that to the parent or relative of someone who has perished on the battlefield! As an American, a parent, a veteran and a teacher, I am offended by this policy. We need administrators who will stand up for what is right and not be afraid to do the right thing!

Kenneth Phipps,

Lawrence