News reports from March 1, 2005 stated that an
incident occurred at a government school in Brick Township, New Jersey. A
video of the shocking behavior is at http://rexcurry.net/pledge-of-allegiance-mantel.wmv
Similar to some other states, NJ has a morning paramilitary drill
in government schools that includes chanting the Pledge of Allegiance and
the "National Anthem." A videotape was made by a student in the class
of Stuart Mantel. The class started out that morning with Mantel yelling
“I don’t want to hear a sound! Not a sound! Morning exercises will come on,
you will stand, you will stand quietly, you will pay attention! Any Questions!?
... Now stand up and keep your mouths shut!” Students stood up as the national
anthem began playing. In the middle of the "The Star-Spangled Banner,"
Mantel demanded that Jay stand up. Jay silently refused, and Mantel yelled
again, “Stand up!” Jay then said “I don’t have to stand up.” Jay was
told “You have to stand,” and Jay said, “No I don’t.” Jay's chair was
pulled out from under Jay. Jay said “Are you serious?”, to which the loud
response was “I am damn well serious." Superintendent Thomas L. Seidenberger
held office at the time.
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