Teacher to Apologize for Pledge of Allegiance Controversy

(Feb. 24) -- After a Maryland middle school student refused to say the Pledge of Allegiance, the child's teacher alerted school police and had the girl escorted from the classroom.

According to The Washington Post, the 13-year-old girl's mother said that following the incident, her child was mocked by other kids at Roberto Clemente Middle School in Germantown, Md.

In response to the incident, the child's mother contacted the American Civil Liberties Union, the Post reported, to demand an apology from the teacher. On Tuesday, a spokesman for the Montgomery County school said that the teacher, who was not identified, will have to apologize to the student.

"The policy is very, very clearly stated," Dana Tofig told the Post. "Our teachers are expected to know the students' rights and responsibilities. ... A mistake has been made, and it will be rectified."

In 1943, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that students were not obliged to salute the flag, and Maryland law grants that any student or teacher can opt out of reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

The girl first refused to stand for the pledge in late January, the Post said. In response, the student's teacher yelled at her and sent her to the office. When she refused to stand and say the pledge the following morning, the teacher brought in school police.

The violation of the girl's rights is confirmed by a Montgomery County student handbook.

"You cannot be required to say a pledge, sing an anthem or take part in patriotic exercises," the text states. "No one will be permitted to intentionally embarrass you if you choose not to participate."

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