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Texas Teen Suing School District After She Was Punished for Not Reciting Mexican National Anthem in Class

Feb. 28, 2013 2:28pm Madeleine Morgenstern

Texas Teen Brenda Brinsdon Suing McAllen School District | Students Forced to Recite Mexico Pledge of Allegiance, Mexican National Anthem

Brenda Brinsdon, interviewed by Fox News in 2011, is suing her Texas school district after she said she was punished for refusing to recite the Mexican national anthem pledge of allegiance in class.

A Texas high school student has filed suit against her school district, claiming she was punished for refusing to recite the Mexican national anthem and pledge of allegiance as part of a Spanish class assignment.

Brenda Brinsdon, then 15, told TheBlaze exclusively in 2011 that students in her intermediate Spanish class were instructed to recite the Mexican anthem and pledge individually in front of their peers at Achieve Early College High School in McAllen, Texas. Brinsdon refused, telling TheBlaze at the time that “Reciting pledges to Mexico and being loyal to it has nothing to do with learning Spanish.” She also provided TheBlaze with video she recorded of students taking part in the assignment.

As an alternative task to reciting the pledge and anthem, she was assigned an essay on the history of the Mexican revolution — an assignment for which she received a failing grade.

According to the lawsuit, filed in federal court Wednesday, Brinsdon was not allowed to return to the Spanish class after her story received media coverage. She was made to sit in the office each day instead of attend class and ultimately failed the course.

She is suing the McAllen Independent School District, principal Yvette Cavazos and teacher Reyna Santos for violating her constitutional right to freedom of speech and equal protection under the law — according to the suit, the district has a policy to excuse students from saying the American pledge of allegiance if they object, but not if they oppose pledging to another country.

“The plaintiff has been punished for being a patriotic American,” attorney Erin Mersino told TheBlaze Thursday. Mersino is with the Thomas More Law Center, which filed the suit on the Brinsdon family’s behalf. “She has been punished for not pledging her loyalty to a different country which used to be determined to be treason, now a person is given an alternative assignment and given a failing grade and is kicked out of class for doing so.”

Mersino said they want a judgement from the court saying the school district was wrong and preventing something similar from happening to another student. Brinsdon herself is half-Mexican, with an American father and a mother who immigrated to the U.S. She still attends the school as a junior.

“This truly is a case about a teenager who’s a patriot, who is a true American,” Mersino said. “She did the right thing by following her conscience and not doing what her teacher was compelling her to do by pledging her loyalty to a different country to which she is not loyal.”

A representative from the McAllen Independent School District did not immediately return a request for comment from TheBlaze.

In 2011, a district spokesman defended the pledge assignment, telling TheBlaze it was “simply spreading the culture of another country.”

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Comments (322)

Exidor
Posted on February 28, 2013 at 3:02pm
Remember the Alamo!

Remember Goliad!

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- SageInWaiting
  Posted on February 28, 2013 at 3:25pm
  Our pubic schools turned into indoctrination centers long ago.
  
  Report this comment
- Verceofreason
  Posted on February 28, 2013 at 3:45pm
  OMG
  Indoctrination.
  Learning Spanish – IN A SPANISH CLASS!
  
  Report this comment
- Fubared
  Posted on February 28, 2013 at 3:59pm
  Versace of treason, say it again. Keep repeating it. Say it again. Keep repeating it.Say it again. Keep repeating it.Say it again. Keep repeating it. Where is the class/skrool at again? Say it again. Keep repeating it.Say it again. Keep repeating it. You sucketh like few others. Don’t take it from me, do your own research and read some of your crap. Say it again. Keep repeating it.Say it again. Keep repeating it.
  
  Report this comment
- spirited
  Posted on February 28, 2013 at 4:48pm
  yo, tu, ustedes, nosotros, vosotros
  el, ella, ellan
  quando, donde, porce
  
  Hola, que tal?
  Me llamo Juan.
  Que hora es?
  Yo tengo frio. Ustedes?
  Donde esta tu hermana?
  Cuero hablar con ella.
  Mira el sol. El sol brilla en el cielo.
  Queres tomar un baso de augua?
  Te gusta comer a roz con pollo?
  Bueno
  Adios y gracias
  De nada.
  
  Noche de paz
  Noche de amore
  
  Casca bel
  Casca bel
  lindo casca bel
  
  Feliez Navedad
  
  Over 3o years later… and Spanish class lessons still come to mind.
  
  ~> The teacher does not teach other Latin/Hispanic countries’ pledge of allegiances & anthems.
  PORCE? …..aidio mio
  
  Report this comment
- Walkabout
  Posted on February 28, 2013 at 7:09pm
  spirited
  ~> The teacher does not teach other Latin/Hispanic countries’ pledge of allegiances & anthems.
  PORCE? …..aidio mio
  
  __________________________________
  
  Exactly! And that is the problem!
  
  Report this comment
- RIDEMODELS
  Posted on March 1, 2013 at 6:07pm
  The Borders are open…..Go back home…If the culture is so great.
  
  Report this comment
Cavallo
Posted on February 28, 2013 at 3:01pm
@Versed, “…that students in her intermediate Spanish class were instructed to recite the Mexican anthem AND PLEDGE individually in front of their peers at Achieve Early College High School in McAllen, Texas. ”

Maybe before you call others stupid you should learn some reading comprehension.

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progressiveslayer
Posted on February 28, 2013 at 3:00pm
French national anthem LMAO Need say no more that explains it.

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pissantno.10
Posted on February 28, 2013 at 3:00pm
too bad texas sorry to see you go . of course mexcico is a lot tougher on illegale aliens

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Cavallo
Posted on February 28, 2013 at 2:58pm
She should have put a metaphorical thumb in their eye and recited the SPANISH national anthem. Then gone on to talk about how wonderful Cortez and Gen Taylor and Scott were. Say.. how many battles did the Mexicans win the Mexican War?.. One of my favorite lines from that war was actually spoken by the Mexicans. “If we placed our cannons in Hell, the damned Yankees would still take them.”

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Verceofreason
Posted on February 28, 2013 at 2:53pm
What does learning have to do wit ‘patriotism’?
Stupid girl, stupid argument, stupid attorney. F-

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- AvengerK
  Posted on February 28, 2013 at 3:01pm
  Yeah see VERCYDORA…I know you’re trying to Alinsky this girl and this story but it’s not working for you.
  
  Report this comment
- Patriot72
  Posted on February 28, 2013 at 3:06pm
  This is a typical post by a lib. Not only do you obviously have no pride in country, but you are ignorant of the law. Again, not surprising. It is illegal to force students to say the Pledge of Alleigance, but not illegal to force them to recite foreign national anthems in the press for multiculturalism. The liberal embraces hypocrisy because it furthers their ends and when confronted with logic, patriotism or a combination of both, they resort to name calling and blind, blanket statements. How very Alinskian of you. You, VoiceofConfusion are the one who is ignorant, stupid, ugly and uninformed. I believe that covers most of the slams you threw against this young patriot for standing up for her 1st Amendment rights, refusing to bow to the progressives.
  
  Report this comment
- GhostOfJefferson
  Posted on February 28, 2013 at 3:07pm
  Well, another prime contribution from “verse”.
  
  You could have made a valid point about learning different cultures literature and customs quite well, without flinging ad hominem insults. But you can’t do that can you? You are literally incapable of acting as a decent human being towards anybody or anything, aren’t you verse?
  
  Report this comment
- AvengerK
  Posted on February 28, 2013 at 3:11pm
  JEFFERSON…it’s just the troll trying to Alinsky..the troll doesn’t knnow any better, it’s only doing what it’s keepers told it to do. Have some pity.
  
  Report this comment
- GhostOfJefferson
  Posted on February 28, 2013 at 3:17pm
  @Avengerk
  
  My well of pity for the stupid has dried up. If they want pity they’ll need to get into their own crying circles and weep on each others shoulders. As far as I’m concerned they are cultists and deserve nothing but contempt.
  
  Report this comment
- annie-oakley
  Posted on February 28, 2013 at 3:32pm
  Learning is one thing, this is quite another.
  
  Report this comment
- Verceofreason
  Posted on February 28, 2013 at 3:45pm
  It’s a SPANISH class, not American history.
  She CHOSE not to do an assignment.
  Case closed.
  
  Report this comment
- AvengerK
  Posted on February 28, 2013 at 4:21pm
  If only the world was as simple as you VERCYDORAGASBAG……
  
  If a teacher told you to do something before the class that went against your conscience…would you do it or would you speak up? Ok..that’s a loaded question..as a democrat operative you have no conscience as is evidenced by your typical liberal moral relativism, scrubbing and cleaning for Obama’s failed presidency and statist aspirations but if you actually had a conscience….
  
  Report this comment
- Atrain1966
  Posted on February 28, 2013 at 4:35pm
  Verse without reason… What does a Spanish Language class have to do with this……As an alternative task to reciting the pledge and anthem, she was assigned an essay on the history of the Mexican revolution
  
  Is it a history class or spanish class? And is mexico the only nation that speaks spanish ?
  
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- AvengerK
  Posted on February 28, 2013 at 5:07pm
  ATTRAIN….Bingo! If you’re learning Spanish, you look to Spain that is. la madre patria…the mother country of the language. Certainly Mexican is a dialect of Spanish and Texas has a substantial history with Mexico. But if this was really about language..we’d be talking about Spain, not Mexico to the exclusion of all other Spanish speaking countries. Argentina for instance has an attractive Italian-like lilt to it’s Spanish dialect..why not teach the Argentinian dialect of Spanish too?
  
  Report this comment
demsrtraitors
Posted on February 28, 2013 at 2:52pm
again, Texas and Texans had better put a stop to this racist , liberal, cancerous madness.

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The-Monk
Posted on February 28, 2013 at 2:49pm
I think I would have just recited the word ******* over and over again in every language on the Planet except English in front of the class instead.

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- Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
  Posted on February 28, 2013 at 3:09pm
  That’s not nice Monk,
  maybe the term Damp Posterior or Soaked Vertebrea would be more PC. Or maybe just sing a few stanza’s of Yellow Rose of Texas, or Who let the Dogs out.
  
  Report this comment
- Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
  Posted on February 28, 2013 at 3:12pm
  Besides, why are the saying the Mexico Pledge of allegiance in a French class?
  
  Report this comment
- theonlynana
  Posted on February 28, 2013 at 3:15pm
  Is it me or is that (almost) a “HITLER” salute?
  
  Report this comment
- civilwarcometh
  Posted on February 28, 2013 at 3:45pm
  Hi MONK off topic. I saw a picture today of 3 girl scouts knocking on a front door selling girl scout cookies. The caption above read ( Hope this aint bidens house) LMAO!!
  
  Report this comment
- RIDEMODELS
  Posted on March 1, 2013 at 6:13pm
  I think I would have told everyone that the Culture is awesome and the Borders are open, take urass back across…..Adios Contaminos.
  
  Report this comment
kaydeebeau
Posted on February 28, 2013 at 2:48pm
Spreading the culture is learning about a different culture not swearing allegiance to it.

When I took Spanish in school we learned to speak Spanish not how to be a mexican nor did we learn anything about Mexican culture -if they really wanted to learn about the culture of spanish – I would think thye might want to look at the source for the spanish language – that would be Spain – which gee whiz wonder why Mexians speak Spanish to begin with.

Oh wait – if we look at the root of spanish then the US can’t be seen as the oppresser – and the Mex LaRaza crowd would have to look to Spain – which is hardly a step up from Mex now days anyway

Here’s a thought – we have an American culture – assimilate into it or stay where you were and “progress: it

ARGH!!!!!!!!!!!

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mcsledge
Posted on February 28, 2013 at 2:47pm
In 2011, a district spokesman defended the pledge assignment, telling TheBlaze it was “simply spreading the culture of another country.”

……….America is not Mexico. Feel free to go south if you would like to bask in the Mexican way of life. Here, the stars and stripes fly……..

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mcsledge
Posted on February 28, 2013 at 2:44pm
according to the suit, the district has a policy to excuse students from saying the American pledge of allegiance if they object, but not if they oppose pledging to another country.

……..Personally, only a disgraceful individual will demand the freedoms of America while refusing to pledge allegiance to it. Unfortunately, the number of these disgraces is growing……..

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rx4nv
Posted on February 28, 2013 at 2:42pm
Why does it always have to be the pledge of allegiance? I remember citing poems about meatballs on the kitchen table. There are plenty of other things to recite. It is a statement.

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- Verceofreason
  Posted on February 28, 2013 at 2:52pm
  Would she feel this way about singing ‘La Marseillaise’.
  She didn’t do the assignment and deserved to fail.
  She’s a student not the teacher,And she’s really dumb.
  
  Report this comment
- civilwarcometh
  Posted on February 28, 2013 at 2:52pm
  To pledge of allegiance to a foreign country is a Treasonous act and that teacher and any student that takes part in it should be arrested and charged..
  
  Report this comment
- rx4nv
  Posted on February 28, 2013 at 3:08pm
  She did the assignment (an essay) and still failed. The point is, why do these school teachers always have to pick the pledge of allegiance? It is because they are usually hispanic themselves and are making a political statement. What is wrong with reciting a spanish poem and avoid the whole problem?
  
  Report this comment
- TheMightyZeus
  Posted on February 28, 2013 at 3:10pm
  Verce, your “don’t question authority” attitude is dangerous and frightening. When a school assignment requires you to do something that goes against your morals, ethics, values or convictions, it is overstepping its bounds. What if the assignment had been to swear fealty to a religion other than your own? Learning a language does not need to involve swearing allegiance to a foreign country, period.
  
  Report this comment
- The-Monk
  Posted on February 28, 2013 at 3:11pm
  Hi Civilwarcometh,
  
  You might be right about that….
  
  Report this comment
- COFemale
  Posted on February 28, 2013 at 3:19pm
  Again Verce you are attacking her on a personal level. Lack of intelligence on your part.
  
  Report this comment
- nesmond
  Posted on February 28, 2013 at 4:38pm
  Remember, verce is a child and does not understand that this teacher was compelling students to commit treason.
  
  Report this comment
IMCHRISTIAN
Posted on February 28, 2013 at 2:42pm
There is spreading the study the culture of another country and it sure sounds like indoctrination.

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- The Big Mick
  Posted on February 28, 2013 at 4:50pm
  got it in one, IC
  
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Steve28
Posted on February 28, 2013 at 2:42pm
Fire the teacher and Principal. This is BS!

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FlagWavingPatriot
Posted on February 28, 2013 at 2:41pm
Here is the Thomas More Law Center’s site: http://www.thomasmore.org/

I just donated to help. Do what you can. These so-called progressives are a cancer eating our culture, borders and language.

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Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
Posted on February 28, 2013 at 2:41pm
I guess the phrase “Remember the Alamo”, is turning into Viva la Mexico.

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hi
Posted on February 28, 2013 at 2:39pm
Wow! You go girl! Deport the teacher to the country she loves best.

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raybaker35
Posted on February 28, 2013 at 2:39pm
Texas is filled with mexicans. What did you expect? Reason? Those teachers should be arrested for treason and tossed out of the country.

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- Rob in Katy
  Posted on February 28, 2013 at 5:03pm
  Or they need to choose which side of the border they wish to reside…
  
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REPUBLICANINCALI
Posted on February 28, 2013 at 2:38pm
Good for her.

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Jenny Lind
Posted on February 28, 2013 at 2:37pm
Class assignment my Aunt Fanny, this was pure indoctrination. Shame on the teacher, shame on the principal for supporting the teacher and allowing this treasonous activity. Hope they get fired, the people in that town need to change their schoolboard. Lastly, hurray for a brave American girl!

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VetMike
Posted on February 28, 2013 at 2:37pm
“I pledge allegiance to His Majesty Obama and his High Executioner Holder and to the socialism for which they stand, one Latino Nation, all on welfare and Obama Phones for all (except Whites).”

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shorelineliz
Posted on February 28, 2013 at 2:35pm
Good for you honey. Sue the crap out of McAllen School district. You should NOT have to pledge allegiance to such a foul and failed and corrupt country as Mexico. Stand your ground and kick them in the crotch with your legal team. I am on your side little girl! Semper Fi and Booya! The United States is in the dam toilet!

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tonypro
Posted on February 28, 2013 at 2:35pm
Still waiting on the news reports where Tx teachers, and principals are being fired for their imdoctrination methods.

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MRARGUELLES267
Posted on February 28, 2013 at 2:35pm
I support Brenda Brinsdon. It’s ridiculous what many left leaning teachers teach our students in our schools. You shouldn’t have to say the pledge for another country in your own country; even if you’re learning another language. Now before the critics say it’s just racist white people who are getting angry about nothing. Look at me. I’m Latino and I see this as a problem for Americans to pledge loyalty to another country and dislike their own country. America is not perfect, but we should respect were we come from.

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GhostOfJefferson
Posted on February 28, 2013 at 2:31pm
Wait, what state is this again? Texas?

Well, at least they can still open carry their sidearms like good cowboys.

Oh, wait…they can’t.

And people wonder why you couldn’t pay me to move to Texas. Wyoming, here I come! :)

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- The_Jerk
  Posted on February 28, 2013 at 2:42pm
  McAllen, Texas is a Matamoros suburb. It’s time we clean up our borders, and if Mexico won’t help, take 5 miles into Mexico as a buffer for our security. It should be their choice.
  
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- kaydeebeau
  Posted on February 28, 2013 at 2:50pm
  uh oh – this is the 2nd time in my life I actually agree with Navin – I am marking this on my calendar ;)
  
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- Dismayed Veteran
  Posted on February 28, 2013 at 2:58pm
  Texas is not clearly a red state. There are too many stories coming like this one that points to infestation by the progressives.
  
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- GhostOfJefferson
  Posted on February 28, 2013 at 3:08pm
  @Vet
  
  I know. And it’s not a new thing. I’ve heard stories about Dallas way back into the 90′s that informed me it wasn’t the place we’re told it is. And again, I generally really like individual Texans I meet and interact with, but to live there just isn’t in the cards for me. I prefer places where they tell leftists “Get the hell out if you don’t like how we live” much more.
  
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- Oldmantex
  Posted on February 28, 2013 at 9:58pm
  @ Ghost you are hearing these stories because Texans are fighting back, just like this girl in this story your posting on. If they were not, it wouldnt be news and you wouldnt know it was happening.
  
  You have to look at the history of Texas to understand why its a fighting state and its special relationship with the spanish speaking culture. Remember we are one of the largest states and have one of the highest populations, and consistently go Red.
  
  So because a few cities covered in liberals are doing stupid liberal things, means the state is going under……HA
  
  These cities and borders have been run by liberals for decades, but the state is run by conservatives. Remember that…
  
  Report this comment

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