Expelled

           India Landry, an African American student at Windfern High School in Texas got expelled from her school for simply not doing one thing- standing up and reciting the pledge. India was 17 when she first chose not to stand up with the rest of her classmates. Her teacher immediately sent her to the principals office. Principal Martha Strother told India "Well, you're kicked outta here" and the school has been in a legal battle with India and her mom ever since.
            She silently sat in her seat following Colin Kaepernicks example of kneeling. Kaepernick is a football player who knelt during the national anthem to protest police brutality on African Americans. He actively exercised his freedom of protest in front of all of america. 
            India is fighting for her right to freedom of speech, but Texas politicians say she's crossing the line when she refuses to stand and pledge to her country. Twenty three other states have similar rules regarding students in public schools required to recite the pledge. If you want to read more about this topic click here for more. However, does the state have the right to force students to say the pledge? Does this cross the line for freedom of speech?