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Northeastern responds to photo of kneeling student


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The Northeastern School District says it encourages students to be respectful of country and community, but also recognizes a student's First Amendment right to kneel during the national anthem, a right that was exercised at a basketball game Tuesday night.

The district posted a response online Tuesday following debate spurred by a photo of a Northeastern cheerleader kneeling during the national anthem at a recent basketball game. The photo, posted on social media, drew both supporters and critics, some who argued the student should be kicked off the squad.

The student, Ajani Powell, has said she knelt during the anthem throughout football season, too. She doesn't mean disrespect to anyone, she said, but kneels because of injustices she sees playing out around the country.

Later Tuesday night, Powell again dropped to her left knee during the opening lines of the national anthem before the Northeastern's boys' basketball game at Red Lion. She rose at the end of the song and applauded the singer. A weak chant of "U-S-A, U-S-A" could be heard in the gym several moments after the anthem but lasted just a matter of seconds.

In its statement, the district said student expression is governed by district policy and state school law and regulations. The district recognizes students' rights to express themselves, provided they comply with those laws. The district can monitor expression or conduct that interferes with school, threatens serious harm, encourages unlawful activities or interferes with others' rights.

"As a district, we continue to encourage all students to be respectful of our country and community and to conduct themselves appropriately and in a civil fashion during the school day and at all school related events," the statement says. "We also understand that choosing to stand, sit or kneel during the playing of the National Anthem is a personal and individual choice protected by the First Amendment."

"While many in our community have voiced both concern and agreement over this issue, the district remains committed to providing a focused and safe learning environment for all students, while continuing an open dialogue with all stakeholders," the statement says.