Just over a year ago former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick chose to knee during the playing of the National Anthem during a football game. The question is why did he choose this form of silent protest? Many people believe that Colin is very disrespectful to the men and women who fought for this country for him to have the right of that "freedom of expression."

People of color for generations have experienced different forms of American life educationally, politically, and socio-economically. Colin's protest focuses on the struggling relationship that African American males have with law enforcement and accountability of when deadly force is used. Muhammad Ali had a similar protest when he chose not to fight in the Vietnam War when he was drafted. Other than Ali's religious beliefs (Muslim), he also felt it was unjust for him to fight for a country that had treated him as a second-class citizen as an African American.

Both of these individuals made sacrifices to stand up for something they strongly believe. Ali lost millions of dollars, banned from boxing for three years and lost his heavyweight title. Colin Kaepernick is no longer with the San Francisco Forty-niners and has not been able to find a job in the NFL for over a year with the potential of millions in lost salary. Some believe Colin doesn't have a job because professional teams don't want to deal with the extra media or backlash it may cause the team or organization.

We have student-athletes participating in middle and high school games where the national anthem is played. A diverse number of students compete within SPS, and they have the right to freedom of expression if it does not interrupt the game or educational process. Regardless of our beliefs; let's continue to provide safe learning environments for all students.

• Colin Kaepernick video. Explanation of why he takes a knee during the anthem.
  
• Kaepernick's interaction with a Green Beret.
• Cleveland Brown Players Kneel During the National Anthem.

In case you've forgotten Hispanic Heritage Month goes from September 15 through October 15. There are numerous ways to explore and celebrate the contributions of Latinos have made to our society. Remember, Hispanic and Latino history is also a part of American history so feel free to explore those experiences throughout the school year.

Here are a couple of lessons you can explore with your students.

• Latino Americans Share Their Experiences. Lin - Manuel Miranda, Judy Reyes, and Jose Hernandez share how their identities have shaped their experiences and their career paths. Grade 6-9).
• What's In A Name Pre-activity Sheet, What's In a Name? (Grade 6-8).
  
• Student Rising Lesson Plan (Grade 7-12).

“Latino Americans Share Their Experiences.” What You'll Learn: Latino Americans Share Their Experiences, lsintspl3.wgbh.org/en-us/lesson/ilwgbh17-1on1-illatinoamericans/1. Accessed 19 Sept. 2017.