MCALLEN (March 1, 2013)--The family of a Texas teenager who says she was punished for refusing to recite the Mexican pledge of allegiance at her high school has filed a federal lawsuit claiming the girl’s constitutional rights were violated.
The lawsuit says Brenda Brinsdon was a high school sophomore in 2011 when her teacher told students to stand for the pledge of allegiance and to sing the Mexican national anthem.
The suit says Brinsdon's teacher and principal tried to "coerce" her when the girl declined to participate.
The lawsuit was filed Wednesday in McAllen.
McAllen school district spokesman Mark May said Thursday the class was conducting a "cultural-awareness assignment."
He said students each day pledge allegiance to the United States and Texas, and they're not directed to offer a pledge to any foreign country.
