With the recent protests in professional sports during the national anthem, conversations have surfaced over whether students should be allowed to protest the anthem in a school setting.

“I realize we all have our own beliefs on this matter but whether you agree or disagree, these are the guidelines set forth by the district and we will follow these rules,” Gil Alvarez, the assistant superintendent of secondary schools said in an email to principals this week according to The Wichita Eagle.

Students are allowed to not participate in the Pledge of Allegiance or the National Anthem but there is a catch. The district policy says that students “may be excused on a limited basis” from class activities, including the daily flag salute, because of personal, religious. The policy does require a written request from the students’ parents.

Students excused from participating “shall silently remain seated (or kneel in quiet reflection) during the exercise by other students,” the email said.