St. Paul Central High School has made the news again over Minnesota’s reactionary pledge law. A student refused to stand during the pledge, choosing to opt out of the requirement, which is allowed according to the state law. Instead the student was kicked out of her class for not being respectful. It turns out the teacher was misinformed, and students are not required to stand during the pledge.

While a minor issue, this raises questions of whether you can legislate patriotism, or even respect. It’s somewhat frightening to me that some would think it’s appropriate to discipline someone for not standing during the pledge of allegiance. I certainly understand and respect the sacrifices of those who have gone before us, but they gave us the freedom to acknowledge their actions in any way we want. Forced patriotism is not patriotic. Forced respect is not respectful.