Gary Councilwoman LaVetta Sparks-Wade refused to stand during the Pledge of Allegiance before Tuesday’s Common Council meeting, with the sixth district councilwoman saying she was showing support for the Philadelphia Eagles football team in its dispute with President Donald J. Trump.
Sparks-Wade said she opposes the way Trump rescinded an invitation to the Super Bowl-winning champions to visit the White House because several team members have said they publicly oppose new National Football League regulations that forbid players from engaging in any acts of protest when they are in sight of fans.
The Gary Common Council typically begins its meetings with a prayer by financial adviser Virgil Moore, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Sparks-Wade did nothing to draw attention to herself during the pledge’s recitation. But afterward, she made a public statement saying she believes Trump’s actions are inappropriate and violate the concept of free speech.
While Trump and supporters of the new NFL policy argue they believe players who protest during the singing of the National Anthem are disrespectful to the military and veterans, Sparks-Wade said she believes those same people fought (and some died) to preserve rights that include free speech.
“I think it is a slap in the face for those who died to protect our rights,” she said. “It’s the First Amendment, … people should be able to do so (refuse to stand at attention during the anthem) if they choose.”
Sparks-Wade had the support of several of her council colleagues.
Councilman Michael Protho, D-2nd, said he appreciates why some people don’t feel blind faith support for military institutions. He cited his own father, who served in the Army during World War II and was engaged in combat activity that qualified him for military decorations.
Yet because of his race, it took some 60-plus years before the military awarded him those medals, Protho said.
“He felt a lot of disrespect,” Protho said of his father. “I can understand why some people feel that way.”
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Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson, while not engaging in any public comment on the issue, said following the council meeting she respected Sparks-Wade’s stance.
“The president is just wrong in the way he handled this,” the mayor said. “One of the reasons we have had people fighting (in wars) is to protect our free speech.”