School Detention For Insubordination

Summary

The student was late to class during the pledge of allegiance and did not stop when told to by a teacher, resulting in detention for insubordination. The schools policies on tardiness and insubordination were discussed. The student tried to appeal the detention but was unsuccessful. The student was advised to discuss the issue with a trusted adult or school counselor, and to consider having their parents or guardians communicate with the school administration on their behalf.

Full Conversation

It's not exactly legal. It's an issue with my school. I was late to school this morning, and as i was walking to my first hour, the morning announcements started. I was nearing my classroom when the pledge of allegiance started. A teacher told me to stop, but I simply shook my head no and continued to the class i was already late for. She gave me detention for insubordination.
What is the school's policy on student behavior during the pledge of allegiance?
I don't know. I didn't find it in the student handbook.
What is the name and location of your school? This will help me find the specific rules and regulations for your situation.
Pryor High School in Pryor Oklahoma
What is the school's policy on tardiness and how does it handle disciplinary actions?
Teachers will mark all tardies in the student information system. Students tardy to the first or second hour must report to the attendance office. If a student has been detained by a teacher, counselor, or administrator and, as a result, will be late to class, he/she should ask for a note from that person explaining the reason for being late to class. Consequences for tardies: *. First unexcused tardy: Teacher will give a verbal warning *. Second unexcused tardy: Detention will be assigned by the teacher *. Third unexcused tardy: Detention will be assigned by the teacher *. Fourth unexcused tardy: Detention will be assigned by the teacher and parent guardian will be contacted *. Fifth and all additional unexcused tardies: In-School Detention or Off-Campus Suspension will be assigned, as determined by the assigning principal.
Did the teacher who gave you detention have the authority to do so according to the school's policy on tardiness and disciplinary actions?
She didnt give me detention for the tardiness. It was for insubordination for not stopping when told.
What is the school's policy on insubordination?
Willful disobedience of a directive of any school official. SAMPLE DISCIPLINARY OPTIONS ▪ Instructor or Administrator Intervention May include, but is not limited to: warning conference with student, parent conference, referral to counselor, behavioral contract, restriction of privileges, requirement of corrective action by student, changing student’s seat or class assignment, involvement of local authorities or agencies, or other appropriate action as required or indicated by the circumstances. ▪ Detention or In-School Intervention Detention is a correctional measure used when it is deemed appropriate. Students are to report to the appropriate teacher/principal at the specified time with class work to be studied. Detention may be assigned on a week-day or on a Saturday, as deemed appropriate. ▪ Alternative In-School Placement Alternative in-school placement is an optional correctional measure that may be used by the school when deemed appropriate. It involves assignment to a school site, designated by the school, for a prescribed course of education as determined by school representatives. Any such placement will be made in accordance with applicable special education procedural safeguards. ▪ Alternative Out-of-School Placement Alternative out-of-school placement is an optional correctional measure specifically authorized in cases when a student has made electronic communications intended to terrify, intimidate, harass, or threaten injury or harm to faculty or students. Any such placement will be made in accordance with applicable special education procedural safeguards. ▪ School Service School service may be required of students when an administrator believes that it would allow the student to understand the logical consequences of his/her conduct. Examples include, but are not limited to, cleaning after vandalism or littering, helping a teacher after disrupting a class, etc. School service will not be utilized to augment the district’s workforce, in ways which are likely to endanger a student, or in a manner which is designed to unduly embarrass a student. ▪ Out of School Student Suspension Students may be suspended out of school pursuant to the district’s policy regarding student suspension.
Did you receive any prior warnings or interventions before being assigned detention for insubordination?
No
Did the teacher provide a clear directive for you to stop during the pledge of allegiance?
She told me to stop.
Did the teacher explain why she wanted you to stop during the pledge of allegiance?
No
What is the school's policy on student behavior during the pledge of allegiance?
It's not stated in the school's student handbook
What actions have you taken since receiving the detention and have you discussed this issue with your parents or guardians?
I tried to get the detention appealed, but the vice principal said that he didn't want to cause problems with any teachers
Have you considered discussing this issue with your parents or guardians and having them communicate with the school administration on your behalf?
No. The detention is listed for tomorrow
Have you considered discussing this issue with a school counselor or another trusted adult at the school?
I have
What was the outcome of your discussion with the school counselor or trusted adult?
I was directed to the vice principal
What was the outcome of your discussion with the vice principal?
He said he didnt want to cause problems with the teacher
What was the exact directive given by the teacher during the pledge of allegiance?
Stop!
What was your response to the teacher's directive during the pledge of allegiance?
I shook my head and went to class
Did the teacher provide any explanation or reason for giving you detention for insubordination?
She said that I need to listen to authority
What actions are you considering to take next regarding this issue?