Have you heard the story about the 10-year-old fifth grader in West Fork sent to the principal’s office for refusing to recite the Pledge of Allegiance? (And for suggesting his teacher should jump off a bridge when she invoked his mother and grandmother in trying to coerce him into the recitation?)

The Iconoclast replayed it over the weekend, with legal context. The Iconoclast dug up the great photo, too.

Advertisement

Young Will Phillips’ parents, who are split on reciting the pledge themselves, were not surprised.

Their son told them last weekend he had decided to no longer stand and recite the Pledge of Allegiance at school because he didn’t believe there is liberty and justice for all, especially when it comes to gay rights.

Advertisement

“To say them (words) and not mean them would be a lie,” [his father] Jay said.

Says his mother

Advertisement

“He is not anti-American,” Laura said. “He is very proud to live here, but he knows even at 10 he can make changes.”

NOTE: A former LR School Board member reminds of the split vote some years back when the Board voted not to require recitation of the pledge.

Advertisement

Invest in the future of great journalism in Arkansas

Join the ranks of the 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 daily email blasts who know that the Arkansas Times is the go-to source for tough, determined, and feisty journalism that holds the powerful accountable. For 50 years, our progressive, alternative newspaper in Little Rock has been on the front lines of the fight for truth, and with your support, we can do even more. By subscribing or donating to the Arkansas Times, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be helping us hire more writers and expand our coverage. Don't miss out on the opportunity to make a difference with your subscription or donation to the Arkansas Times today.

Previous article Mike Huckabee: More guff on Nobel Next article Sly Stone to Hot Springs … maybe