National Anthem protests have become quite the topic these days. The current protests began when Colin Kaepernick, quarterback of the San Francisco 49ers, decided he was going to kneel while the Anthem played. He claimed that black people are being racially oppressed, and therefore, he began kneeling during the National Anthem instead of standing. His protests have not come without consequence, though, for it has brought out many different reactions throughout the United States.

Although many see the kneeling as wrong, Kaepernick is exercising his rights as an American. He is doing so because, as Americans, we are given the right to protest, including kneeling during the National Anthem. It is in the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, where it states we have the right to protest.

Recently, schools have been trying to ban students from kneeling during the National Anthem, but they are legally not allowed. This is due to the 1943 Supreme Court ruling in West Virginia v. Barnette. It ruled that, as an American, a person can sit or kneel, and has their rights to their own beliefs, as long as they are quiet and respectful to those who are standing for the Anthem. Most schools are not aware of this, though, and therefore are unjustly punishing those who are exercising their rights as Americans.

So, in essence, kneeling during our National Anthem is legally protected in the United States. But although it is legally right, doesn't mean it is viewed as socially or morally right. Yes, it may be controversial, but it's not really as big of a deal as people are making it.