Based on a poll conducted by students at the Plymouth-Canton Educational Park, the majority of people at P-CEP believe that it should not be a requirement to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.

Of the 158 P-CEP staff and students who were asked this question, 32.9 percent said that standing should be mandatory, while 67.1 percent said that it should not.

Kelly Heitzman, Plymouth senior, agreed with the majority and said, “You should only say the pledge if you truly mean it, not be programmed to have to say it every day.”

“Standing should be up to the student, but it shows a lot of respect and maturity if you do,” said Canton history teacher Christopher Belch.

Similarly, Salem senior Arianna Finn said, “People have their own reasons for if they choose to stand and that should be respected.”

“The United States is founded on freedoms, including the freedom to participate in the pledge or not,” said Kathy Rokakis, Salem French teacher.

Tala Hussini, Plymouth senior, also said standing should not be required, as “We’re tired in the morning. After we walk into class and get settled, why should we be required to stand up again?”

In contrast, Canton junior Kyle Kulas believes standing for the Pledge should be required. He said, “You should respect your country.”

Salem senior Dalia Marakby said yes it should be a requirement to stand for the pledge “because we should love our country.”

Brandon Mehl, Canton senior, thinks students should be required to stand “because they live in America and should show pride for our country.”