Freedom of speech and self-expression are the fundamental principles upon which the U.S. was founded on. To say everyone must stand for the Pledge of Allegiance or the national anthem is hypocritical in accordance with the First Amendment of the Constitution.

Colin Kaepernick, backup quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, took a knee during the national anthem in late August. His action took the country by storm with accusations that Kaepernick is not a “real American” or that he should be removed from his position as quarterback.

Two weeks later,  Michael Oppong, a high school student in Massachusetts, also took a knee during the national anthem at his school, and people went wild. Parents directed threats toward Oppong, some asked for him to be kicked off the team. The school even at first requested he be suspended for a game. The high school later removed this request.

Several others have participated in this action of silent protest while the national anthem plays, including local teams like the Indiana Fever, where the entire team took a knee, and even more recently, Indianapolis Colt’s Antonio Cromartie.

But is all of the outrage needed? When is it okay to tell people what to do with their lives or what they should believe in? The national anthem was intended as a form of unity, but instead of using it to that effect, many people have begun to tear apart that unity by accusing those who don’t stand as bad people. The rights to peaceably assemble or to protest, which are guaranteed by the First Amendment, explicitly cover unpopular speech, not just popular speech. Whether you agree or disagree for standing, it is the right of people like Kaepernick and Oppong to do just what they’re doing. It’s time for people to look closely at the entire First Amendment, and not just the parts that fit their narrative. After all, it’s not so long ago when many people were afraid to speak their minds and stand for what they believe in for fear of imprisonment or worse.

The views in this column do not necessarily reflect the views of the HiLite staff. Reach Gabby Perelmuter at [email protected].

Read – Misha Rekhter: Protest not always appropriate in all situations.