A Florida high school science teacher was removed from his classroom after he reprimanded students who would not stand for the Pledge of Allegiance, according to the Florida Times-Union.
Daniel Adam Goodman wrote a statement on his whiteboard calling out what he considered to be a lack of maturity and wisdom.
“HOMEROOM: THINK: We had about a half million Americans die in our Civil War, which was largely to get rid of slavery,” Goodman wrote. “There are no longer separate water fountains and bathrooms in Jacksonville for "white" and "colored," as Mr. Goodman remembers from the 1960′s. We had an amendment to the U.S. Constitution allowing women the right to vote. We have had a black president. The superintendent of Duval Schools is a black woman. Mr. Fluent, our principal, replaced a black man, Mr. Simmons, who now is a D.C.P.S. administrator.”
“MY POINT? You are all extremely lucky to be living in the U.S.A.,” his statement continued. “If you refuse to stand during the Pledge of Allegiance or our National Anthem, are you revealing your maturity and wisdom? Actually, you are displaying the opposite (as some pampered arrogant celebrities and athletes tend to do) — Mr. G.”
The statement was made public by a parent on social media who didn’t take kindly to Goodman’s message.
“What makes the teacher feel like this is appropriate?” the post read. “We are LUCKY to have basic rights and to be treated humane? Why should our kids be met with this type of attitude at school? I can't wait until the teacher is held responsible for their reckless banter cause it's coming! I hope none of the students stand up for the Pledge of Allegiance in protest of the teacher.”
Duvall County Public Schools were made aware of the teacher’s statement last week.
“The statements made by the educator are not consistent with state statute or school board policy,” the school district stated.
As the Florida Times-Union reports:
Florida Statute 1003.44 and Board Policy 3.60 says students are excused from reciting or standing for the pledge as long as their parent or legal guardian files a written request. The district’s code of conduct covers this as well. It says students have the right “not to participate,” which includes “reciting,” “standing and placing the right hand over [their] heart.”
Goodman’s actions have been referred to the Office of Professional Standards for “review and appropriate action,” the district said. In the meantime, the teacher has been removed from his classroom.
“I believe classrooms provide the perfect place to have insightful and thought-provoking discussions about patriotic expressions and civil liberty,” First Coast High Principal Justin Fluent said in a statement. “However, this must be done in a productive and respectful way, and in accordance with law and school board policy.”