FCPS Teacher Out For Disciplining Student Over Pledge: Reports

CENTREVILLE, VA — Following an investigation by the school system, a Centreville High School teacher who allegedly disciplined a student for not standing during the Pledge of Allegiance no longer will teach for Fairfax County Public Schools, according to reports.

The teacher, identified by the Washington Post as Richard Ferrick, maintains through his lawyer he did nothing wrong. "The allegations against him are misleading and without merit," the attorney, Jim Freeman told WTOP. FCPS superintendent Scott Braband told the station the teacher's actions constituted "unacceptable behavior," adding it's counter to longstanding policy for the school system.

According to the Post, the student, 15-year-old Eric Trammel, remained seated while his 10th-grade classmates stood up for the Pledge of Allegiance last month. Trammel told the newspaper Ferrick ordered him to stand and that when he refused, the teacher became angry, yanked him out of his chair and sent him outside the classroom. The student reported the incident to school officials.

Trammel said he hasn't stood during the Pledge for more than a year after being inspired by the Black Lives matter movement. He said he prefers to remain seated as a way of drawing attention to what he views as racial inequality and unfair treatment. Similar forms of protest have gained widespread attention in the NFL, with some players kneeling instead of standing during the national anthem.

Image via FCPS