Grades K-8

3830 Rosemont Ave.

Lansing, MI 48910-4592
(517) 882-6631

www.ihmlansing.org

November 21, 2017

Dear Parents

Over the past year, we have witnessed the practice of kneeling in protest to racial injustice,
particularly police brutality. It has moved from beyond the world of professional football into
a number of colleges and our high schools. While I personally do not know of any other
elementary or middle schools addressing this situation, IHM-St. Casimir School is engaged
in this issue. We have been working with some students and their parents in regard to
whether or not the school will continue to allow students to kneel during the Pledge of
Allegiance, without either tacit approval or stated consequence.

When kneeling during the national anthem as a form of protest began, and especially when it
began during the Pledge in our school, I found myself recalling what it meant for me to call
myself Catholic. The word catholic means universal and as Catholics, we always strive
toward greater unity as we grow in love of our Lord and His Church. Especially as members
of a Catholic school, we strive to build each other up and to act and speak in a way that helps
bring others to Christ.

We recently received confirmation from the Diocese Office of Education that standing has
always been the expected posture for the Pledge of Allegiance. They issued this statement:

Out of respect for America and the brave military men and women who protect our
country, to foster unity and teamwork within the school community, to avoid
politicizing school events and consistent with longstanding school teachings and
policy, all students shall stand without individual gestures during the national
anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance at all school events.

At IHM-St. Casimir, as at other Catholic schools, it is always our goal to create an

environment of unity, peace and understanding. Each day, we come together and pray for all
those who are treated with injustice of any kind. We pray for Gods divine intervention to
bring peace among all people.

As a Catholic school we support unified efforts guided by Catholic virtue-based teaching, to

challenge racial injustice of any kind, in a setting and manner that we deem to be
appropriate and consistent with our identity. We agree with the Diocese, that
demonstrations are not appropriate in its schools during the national anthem and the Pledge
both which recognize the tremendous sacrifices of Americans of all races, ethnicities and
religions.

There are many valid, legitimate and, frankly, much more effective locations and times to
protest racial injustice or injustice of any kind; protesting during the Pledge of Allegiance is
not one of them.

Because of this, beginning next Monday, Nov. 27, any student who chooses not to stand for
the Pledge will have their parents called and the student will be sent home for the day. If
the child chooses not to stand for the Pledge a second time, they will be sent home for the
remainder of the week. If the child continues to choose not to stand for the Pledge of
Allegiance, then the school will receive that as a signal that the parents/caregivers of the
child wish to terminate their relationship with IHM-St. Casimir and remove their child from
the school.

Inspired by the input and actions of our students and staff in regard to protesting racial
injustice, we will be holding a number of age-appropriate activities and discussions that
reflect our ongoing commitment to promoting racial equality and justice for all people. Thank
you for your support and, in advance, for your participation in these efforts.

As always please feel free to call me if you have any questions and please continue to pray for
our school and our community.

Peace in Christ,

Angela Johnston, Principal

Cc: Fr. John Byers, Pastor, Administrator

Immaculate Heart of Mary-St. Casimir Catholic School challenges

students to discover God's gifts spiritually, intellectually, socially and
physically within a community that nurtures, honors and respects the
unique person.