In our country today, halved by controversy and different beliefs, people have grown accustomed to making their own views heard and, during the last weeks before winter break, it appeared that Paint Branch students were doing just that. As the situation in Iraq worsens, one might expect that strong opinions from both sides of the political and patriotic fence would be voiced. However, not many expected that on the morning of December 13, 2006, Principal Ms. Jeanette Dixon would precede that Wednesday’s WPBH broadcast with an announcement of her own. The matter at hand was the apparent lack of students standing for the daily pledge of allegiance, and while she conceded that no, the faculty “can’t make you stand”, the message was clear: if you can stand, you should.

This disputed topic sparked discussion from both students and teachers, revealing just how many different viewpoints there are on the issue. Naturally, some students make their choice based on their own opinions. Junior Kyle MacNamara says that he stands “in respect to the country,” while Kevin Han says he does not, “because it’s not my belief.” Seniors Kimberly Jones and Sami Ahmed share similar opposing views. Ahmed, who does not stand, states that “It’s a choice,” while Jones thinks “it’s important to show respect for the country and those who have fought for it.”

However, some students decide whether to stand based on different reasons entirely. “I would stand if I weren’t the only one,” confessed Sophomore Sarah Perret, who recalls that the majority of her first period class used to stand, because the teacher encouraged it. Sophomore Patrick Kind doesn’t stand because he’s “too lazy,” at least in the mornings. Conversely, Freshman Josie Rose only stands because (in reference to her first period teacher) “He’ll kill me if I don’t!” Junior Stephanie Hackett’s first period class didn’t used to stand, but after rumors circulated of an e-mail from Ms. Dixon to all teachers requesting the names of students who sit during the pledge, Hackett declares that “now we stand because we’re afraid.”

Ms. Dixon vehemently denies these allegations, explaining that the tale spawned from a quick conversation between her and a couple students who chose not to stand during the pledge, and that she never requested that students be sent to her for disciplinary measures, but that it was actually their teacher who contacted Ms. Dixon on the matter.

So what really spurred Ms. Dixon to address the student body on standing for the pledge twice in the same week? “The ROTC conducted a survey,” she recounts, which found that “many teachers taught through the pledge.” “We are role models… and you [students] are going to do what they see us do.”

In the end, there will not be consequences for choosing not to stand for the pledge: “America is the best place on earth,” according to Ms. Dixon, “and really one of the last places in the world where people are free… to control their own destiny. Nobody can compel anybody to do anything.” Still, she says, “I hope that you would stand to show respect for America, our great country.”