ACLU stands up for student who won't stand for Pledge

LORAIN - A high school senior sent home and threatened with suspension after sitting during the Pledge of Allegiance was allowed to return to class yesterday.

Vincent Capizzi, 17, can attend classes while the district considers an argument by the American Civil Liberties Union that requiring students to stand for the pledge is unconstitutional, said district spokesman Ed Branham.

ACLU attorney Ray Vasvari said, although it was good Capizzi was allowed to return, other students also must have the right to sit through the pledge. The group might file a lawsuit if the policy does not change, he said.

Capizzi was sent home early after he refused to stand Tuesday and responded rudely when the teacher raised the issue, Branham said. He was sent home because of the rude behavior, Branham said.

Capizzi said he was making a political statement when he refused to stand.

"Right now, I don't agree with politics," he said Tuesday. "Maybe when we get a new president who can show being an American is something to be proud of, I'd gladly stand for the Pledge of Allegiance."

Capizzi did not specify his objections to President Clinton's performance, Branham said. The teen could not be reached for comment yesterday. His foster parents' telephone number is unlisted.

His foster father, Loftus Rollins, said there was nothing illegal about sitting through the pledge.

"It's his constitutional right," Rollins told The Morning Journal of Lorain.