A Valhalla High School teacher in La Mesa, Calif., is no longer permitted to force students to stand and recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Previously, according to FFRF's information, when students remained seated, math teacher Douglas Babington would shout at them to "get up or get out" and threaten them with failing grades if they refused.
FFRF sent a letter April 21 informing the Grossmont Union High School District that this conduct was unconstitutional. Superintendent Ralf Swenson said in a July 10 reply that "we have dealt with the issue internally and consider the matter resolved."