Here at Lane Tech the anthem stands for a little more than at most schools. It never fails to play as a precursor to the school day.

While outside these walls not many would have guessed that when San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick decided to take a knee during the anthem, that it would spark a national controversy of such magnitude. This controversy has trickled down to the high school level.

Right here at Lane, the issue is a discussion up for debate. Some students have voiced strong opinions. During this year’s pep rally, the majorettes team decided to hold their fists in the air during the anthem. Team captain, Amari Hall Div. 761, expressed the team’s reasoning.

“One of our seniors brought it to our attention and said we should raise our fists in support of Kaepernick.” said Hall.

The entire majorettes team decided to act quickly on the opportunity to make a statement. Hall had an answer to anyone critical of their choice of action.

“We all have different beliefs; so you can’t tell me that isn’t right based on what I believe in or what you be- lieve.”

Hall said she didn’t feel like they made that much of a difference, because no one pays a lot of attention to them, however she does hope it brings a little more attention to the issue. At the very least the team educated themselves and those around them about an important social issue.

“Some people didn’t understand why; then we had to explain to them that it is in support of all the stuff that has been happening to black people and in support of Kaepernick,” Hall said.

Now just over a month later, multiple teams in the NFL have had players issue their own statements. These teams have similarly raised their fists or locked arms on the field, in addition to kneeling.

Most of the players involved in the movement would argue that this is their way to express a freedom of speech and help their cause.

“I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color,” Kaepernick told NFL Media, after the game of his first protest on Aug. 26.

However, not everyone is sold on the idea that this is an acceptable form of protest on its own. Head Varsity Football Coach Anthony Faltin asks the NFL and any of his players, that would plan a demonstration, an important question.

“How are you being active about it now?”

He said he challenges his players to take initiative if they want to be involved in community issues.

“Could he [Kaepernick] have accomplished the same thing by possibly joining one of the neighborhood watches in the Oakland neighbor- hoods?” Faltin asked.

Faltin did say he appreciates the sentiment in his $1 million donation for the cause.

or the cause. “Kaepernick is a man who has made

200 million in his career, so writing a million dollar check is a very good thing. On the same note, what else are you doing to be active in that community?” Faltin said. Overall only one thing seemed to matter to the coach.

“If you want respect, you have to give respect.” Faltin said.

Assistant varsity football coach Lance Gyomory seconded the stance held by the head coach.

“I think my place is to help these players become good citizens and great men. Hopefully they come to their own opinions, based on their own experiences,” Gyomory said.

He explained how Lane players had yet to make any sort of demonstration; however the situation would be handled at that time, on a case by case basis.

“The goal is to get them to have a strong opinion on something, but there has to be a good reason why they have that opinion.” Coach Gyo- mory said.

Both coaches seemed to agree on the importance of motives rather than just mere actions. Also both coaches, having ties to the armed forces would agree that kneeling during the anthem is not something they would do, but can understand people’s right to their opinion.

With two sides to the sensitive top- ic, everyone can agree active dialogue and demonstrations like these are positive and a right of the American people.

“It’s one of the beauties of living in this country,” Faltin said.

Editor’s Note: According to Business Insider Colin Kaepernick has a current career earning of just over $126 million.