That messy business of free speech

A senior at Monroe High School didnt' want to stand up for the flag salute, his protest against the Iraq war. One of his teachers objected:

When Kyle King's cousin was killed by a sniper in Iraq two years ago, he lost more than a friend and role model. The Monroe High School senior also lost his faith in the war and in the government that was waging it.

When the rest of his classmates stood during fifth period for the Pledge of Allegiance, King stayed seated. A few teachers questioned him, he said, but until this year, none challenged his right to sit quietly.

But recently, King said, a music teacher told him he was required to stand with the other students. He said the teacher, in front of a class of about 30 students, also challenged his patriotism, his loyalty and his religious beliefs.

....

The teacher, Katie Lenoue, said she'd be in "a lot of trouble with the district" if she commented.

I remember when I was growing up that the Jehovah's Witnesses never stood for the flag salute for religious reasons. Some of the Native American kids didn't either. It was understood that they didn't have to if they didn't want to, no big deal.

Ms. Lenoue needed to get that message.

Update: Another article on the incident, from the Everett Herald.