Students everywhere should know the names of Marie and Gathie Barnett

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in the case of the West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette that no one could be forced to participate in the Pledge of Allegiance. (Getty Images)

I teach eighth grade West Virginia studies. I’m tasked with covering practically everything about our state, from the Adena mound builders up to the latest flood or mine collapse. However, there’s only so many days in a school year. Every year, some things get left on the cutting room floor.

This past year, we were lucky to get to the Mine Wars. On the last day of school, with other classes playing games, watching movies, or going outside, I taught a lesson. There was something I hadn’t gotten to yet, and I felt like I wasn’t doing my job if I sent students to high school without mentioning it.

“Show of hands,” I said. “How many of you think you have to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance?”

Most hands went up. Based on recent news , it seems like some school administrators would also put their hands up.

I proceeded to show my students a short video discussing the landmark U.S. Supreme Court case West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette . In short, in 1942, two young girls, the Barnett sisters, were expelled from a Kanawha County elementary school because they refused to recite the pledge. The girls’ father, Walter Barnett, sued the state board and the case went all the way to the United States Supreme Court.

On Flag Day in 1943, the court issued its 6-3 decision, ruling that “[i]f there is any fixed star in our constitutional constellation, it is that no official, high or petty, can prescribe what shall be orthodox in politics, nationalism, religion, or other matters of opinion, or force citizens to confess by word or act their faith therein.”

At the time of their expulsion, Marie and Gathie Barnett weren’t even teenagers. Still, they had the courage to stand up for their beliefs, if not the pledge. In doing so, their actions changed the very definition of American patriotism.

Today, a recent survey from Tufts University suggests rural youth feel disconnected from the political process. In West Virginia specifically, voter turnout for 18-29 year olds, volunteerism among 16-29 year olds, and engagement in political discourse on social media for 16-29 year olds, all fall below national averages. According to the survey data, one key way to get young people more involved is by ensuring they have experiences in high school in which they can express their voices and beliefs.

“Among students who strongly agreed that they had high school experiences in which they felt their voices and opinions mattered, 81% said they are extremely likely to vote in the 2024 election,” the report stated.

Every student should know the story of Marie and Gathie Barnett. Their story is a potent reminder that even the youngest among us can and should exercise their voice. Their story is a reminder that when young people do exercise their voice, change is possible.

This coming school year, I’ll make sure to cover the Barnett case. In fact, I think I even know when I’ll teach it.

Day one.

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