A NJ teacher working at the Sgt. Dominick Pilla Middle School habitually took a knee during the Pledge of Allegiance during homeroom. Some of the parents were less than impressed, especially at a school that was named for a war hero killed in the line of duty. The teacher tried to say it wasn’t political. If you believe that I have some land in Florida I’ll sell you. It’s surrounded by water…………..on all six sides. The teacher has not been punished but she has been reassigned from homeroom so that she doesn’t indoctrinate her students.
The teacher kicked off a firestorm of debate after she began kneeling during the school’s recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. Many parents believed that the teacher’s silent protest was inappropriate for the middle school setting and agenda-driven, according to the Philly Voice.
The Voice pointed out that partisan political behavior is prohibited on school premises and during school hours.
Earlier in October, parents complained about the teacher’s behaviors during a school board meeting of Vineland Public Schools.
Resident Ron Maccri said, “Teachers are paid to educate our students, they’re not paid to indoctrinate our students. What this woman is doing would be bad in any school, but because it’s in the (Sgt.) Dominick Pilla School — who gave his life for our military — it’s reprehensible.”
Another resident, Randy London — a U.S. Coast Guard veteran — also voiced his displeasure during the early October meeting.
“That type of behavior offends me,” London said. “I’m not saying anyone needs to agree with everything, but if that is the district’s policy, there should be no teacher … taking a knee during the Pledge of Allegiance.”
If she really likes to kneel, she should learn the art of Kowtow.