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PLEDGE CONTROVERSY CONTINUES
Parents Upset Over Principal Allegedly Punishing Students For Not Standing

Reported by: Send eMail Katy Brown
Videographer: John Tincher
Web Producer: Katy Brown
Reported: Dec. 5, 2012 11:27 PM EST
Updated: Dec. 5, 2012 11:44 PM EST

EYEWITNESS ONLINE WEBCAST VIDEO
C L I C K   T O   P L A Y
Charleston , Kanawha County , West Virginia

We have all heard the argument over whether schools should require students to recite or even stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.

But now some parents of Capital High School students are asking why their children should stand during the playing of ""Lift Every Voice and Sing."

Some parents who are frustrated with the situation.

"As a parent, I'm very angry. I'm very angry with the entire situation."

Kim Bailey is the parent of a senior at Capital High School. A school that has been in the spotlight due to, what principal Clinton Giles calls, the Friday morning observance.

Parents say students are expected to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance, the National Anthem, and the playing of "Lift Every Voice and Sing," a tribute to African Americans.

A song that is also being called the "other" anthem.

"We had some calls from parents that students were being told that they had to stand and if they didn't stand for the Pledge of Allegiance and I believe they play the African American national anthem then they were disciplined for that," said Ron Duerring, Superintendent at Kanawha County Schools.

Bailey's son was one of those who chose not to stand for the playing of the other anthem.

"I was shocked. My son stands every day for the Pledge of Allegiance and every Friday for the National Anthem. He only remains seated during the other anthem, which I told my son he does not have to stand for."

The original complaint sent to the school board was from Gail Harper on Bailey's behalf.

Harper is a Vietnam veteran who stands strongly behind the American flag.

"I've always been taught that we have a Pledge of Allegiance, which I gladly do. I'm very respectful, I love my country. I love what that flag stands for. And we have a National Anthem, but I know nothing about another anthem," said Harper.

Bailey says her son has been dealing with the problem at Capital High School for 3 years and it wasn't until recently that he was sent to the principal's office for not standing.

Bailey only hopes the board and high school can come up with a solution.

"I love our country, absolutely. I just hope the problems are corrected. I hope the Board of Education opens their eyes and addresses the problems at Capital High School."



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