Politics

Updated October 05, 2009

Supreme Court Refuses to Hear Controversial Pledge Case

FOXNews.com

The Supreme Court announced Monday that it will not hear arguments in a case involving a Florida teenager who says he was humiliated by his teacher and sent to the principal's office for refusing to stand and recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

The Supreme Court announced Monday that it will not hear arguments in a case involving a Florida teenager who says he was humiliated by his teacher and sent to the principal's office for refusing to stand and recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

Cameron Frazier says he was singled out by his math teacher when he refused to participate in the Pledge. Most -- if not all -- states have laws requiring public schools to administer the 31 word oath daily.

Florida's law allows for students to remain silent for the Pledge, but only with prior parental consent. Even with that permission, students are required to stand with their classmates.

Frazier, who was in grade 11 at the time of the incident, argued that the law denies his constitutional right to free expression by "overrid[ing] his conscience and compel[ing] his participation" in the Pledge.

Florida's Department of Education defends the law and the ruling of a lower appellate court that concluded the law properly allows for parental consent in the affairs of their children. The state contends the law appropriately balances the interests of parents, children and school administrators who need to maintain an orderly learning environment.

The justices, as is custom, announced no reason for denying the case.

FOX News' Lee Ross contributed to this report. 

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