Student Punished For Protesting Pledge

High school freshman Leilani Thomas said she’s sat during the Pledge of Allegiance since the 2nd grade. Leilani is one of the last remaining descendants of the Pomo people, an indigenous group native to Northern California. The 14-year-old said for her, standing just doesn’t feel right. Last Friday, she learned that by not standing, her grade was dropped to a “C-” because the teacher counted it as participation.