The Star-Spangled Banner

Every morning, after the introductory message, the national anthem (The Star-Spangled Banner) will be played on tape, followed by announcements.

Wednesday March 28 is my first day in Narwin's homeroom. The national anthem started playing and I started humming (which I used to do in my previous homeroom) to the tune. Narwin heard it and requested me to stop, so I stopped reluctantly after trying to reason (but failed) twice. Can you believe it? I was just humming! No way will I stay in her classes.

That evening during dinner, I asked my parents for their opinions if a teacher said I was not allowed to sing or hum the national anthem in class and got mad and started to yell at me to stop when I just hummed softly. My parents agreed with me and too felt that it was not fair. They were on my side and think that Narwin was wrong as they feel that she should not put me down like this.

On Thursday March 29, I decided to get back at Narwin for yesterday's situation. I started to hum along with the national anthem. This time, I did not stop when Narwin asked me to, so she sent me to the Assistant Principal's (Dr. Palleni) office. I told Dr. Palleni that I was just humming to myself and it is sort of a patriotic thing with me, but the whole thing is, Narwin always has it in for me. However, he somehow succeeded in putting the blame on me by saying that I was disobedient and broke a rule.

That evening during dinner, I brought this up again, adding that Narwin sent me to Dr. Palleni's office and he sided with her. My parents supported me and asked me to stick up for myself and do what I feel is right.

On Friday March 30, as the national anthem played, I started humming. When Narwin asked me to stop, I told her that I had the right to do it and I was just being patriotic. She sent me to Dr. Palleni again. Since that was the second time in a week, I had to be suspended. He gave me a chance to apologise to Narwin. However, I stood up for my rights and refused to do so no matter how Dr. Palleni advised me. Finally, he decided to give me a 2-day suspension and called my mother.