LANSING, MI (MPRN)-- At the state Capitol Thursday ten House Democrats linked arms during the Pledge of Allegiance in lieu of putting their hands over their hearts.
State Representative Sheldon Neeley chairs the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus. He says the demonstration was meant to be respectful of the flag. But he says it also demonstrated support for the right of NFL players to take a knee during the national anthem.
“People who chose to stand together were locking arms to say that our First Amendment rights is a very important right that we all want to make sure that we honor it, champion it, fight for it,” he says.
Neeley said the action was also to protest a Facebook post by Michigan State Police Colonel Kriste Etue that referred the NFL players who take a knee as “degenerates.” She has since apologized.
Neeley says there could be similar demonstrations at the beginning of House sessions in the future.