In a letter sent out to the parents of all student-athletes at Parkway High School, Principal Waylon Bates stated that students who do not stand for the national anthem could face the loss of playing time or participation or removal from the team altogether. Principal Bates cited a ruling by the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) that states that school principals are allowed to make decisions regarding student participation in the national anthem.

The ACLU of Louisiana has fired back. In a statement issued today, the ACLU said:

The American Civil Liberties Union of Louisiana put Louisiana schools on notice today, warning them that forcing students to stand during the National Anthem or punishing students who “take a knee” in protest of racial injustice and police brutality would violate students’ First Amendment rights.

The Louisiana ACLU also condemned Bossier Parish School District and Parkway High School specifically in response to the letter from principal Bates.

This is the full letter sent home by Parkway High: