Fifth Grader in Arkansas Stands Up for Equal Rights
Will Phillips a 10 year old from Arkansas refused to recite the pledge of allegiance at his school, because after considering its meaning, he decided that there really isn't liberty and justice for all.
In his CNN interview with his father, Jay, at his side Will said:
"I've grown up with a lot of people and I'm good friends with a lot of people who are gay and I think they should have the rights all people should, and I'm not going to swear that they do."
Comments [18]
:)
What a beautiful young boy...
Score one for integrity.
Score one for integrity.
Hey, Toodlin!
I like your globe avatar pic....any particular reason you chose "the dark continent"?
@kdhales
I was worried people wouldn't
I was worried people wouldn't be able to tell what it was. But no, there's no particular reason. If I had my subversive cap on, I would have turned it upside down.
This boy kills me.
Upside down...
yeah, I get it - upside down for sure. I thought maybe it was because the world is still such a mystery; hence, "the dark continent" reference. It's a cool pic!
Yeah, he's a humdinger for sure! It's amazing how these overachiever ten year olds get it and adults don't. Proof, I'm guessing, as how environment influences a person's development.
@kdhales
All I can think is this is
All I can think is this is the kind of kid who will constantly be ostracized because he's so different. I will have to turn my world upside down now, I see.
Toodlin,
He certainly will get a lot of flack, but sometimes the confidence of your convictions sees you through. How much bullying one gets is often proportional to how much one is bothered by it. He doesn't seem to have a wussy side.
For sure....
he's brilliant - skipped fourth grade - and now, even though he's younger than the others in his class, he's much more mature - also more than the substitute it seems! Does appear he has a support group however if the dad is any indication. Let's hope it stays that way.
@kdhales
it's hard to turn the world
it's hard to turn the world upside down
You did it!
Excellent!
@kdhales
Did I? It keeps flipping.
Did I? It keeps flipping.
Oops nevermind.
Oops nevermind.
Can we clone him?
Let's put one in every classroom. <3
Well, there you have it....
and in Arkansas - slap dab in the middle of the bible belt! A ten year stands up for gay rights. We had a ten year old and a twelve year old boy....and high school students phone banking and canvassing for marriage rights in Maine. In fact, a Bangor High School group is holding a rally in downtown Bangor, ME, in Pickering Suare Sunday, Nov 22nd from 1 - 3pm. This is their stated purpose: ".....to spread the message of equality for everyone regardless of religion, race, class, gender or sexual orientation and to bring together a community of supporters and allow them to share their stories and opinions...." If you're close, come on over and share a bit of mic time - I'll be there representing EqualityMaine/No On 1 Campaign. These preteens and teens seem to be taking matters into their own capable hands....admirable and enlightening!
Equal rights first and the rest will fall into place,
Tex
@kdhales
Kids have a way of seeing
Kids have a way of seeing through all the bullshit. This is critical thinking! I read this story a few days ago, and I just felt so proud of kids who stand up for what's right.
www.carollani.com/wordpress
@carollani
www.gaynation.posterous.com
Okay, I'm a little in love
Okay, I'm a little in love with this kid AND his dad. Did you see the way his dad elbowed him all gentle and teasing there at the end, grinning at him?
This story gives me chills.
This story gives me chills. What an amazing, brave young man.
"Fight Prime Time. Read a Book"
These kids today
"Ma'am with all due respect you can go jump off a bridge."
What is this younger generation coming to? Sounds like a more perfect union.
We are star stuff. We are the universe made manifest trying to figure itself out. ~ Delenn