The only way we as people in the U.S. can change something we feel strongly about is by taking a stand, or a kneel. Kneeling during the national anthem is a way of “speaking” for NFL football players. It all began on Sept. 24, And after the president’s statement regarding this protest, over 200 of the players sat or knelt during the national anthem.

If these players can’t vocally express their opinion, they can do it through their actions. Nothing about these players taking a knee during our country’s national anthem should offend anyone. They are just using their rights to freedom of speech to advocate for something they feel strongly about. This “stand” got so much attention because it is unexpected from professionals. But having our community come together to fight against what they think is wrong is definitely what we need more of.

As a high school student, our right to protest is important because it is one way that draws attention from the public and gets people acting on the protest. People protest because they want to be heard and they want to see change, and that’s what should happen.

Abigayle Kendell, Murray