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I'm really conflicted over that one.
The kids are/were asses. However, I'd venture to say at least half of teenage boys are, from time to time. Most get over it.
I also get the feeling the teacher might be sensitive to the pledge after having fought for his country, or experiencing the death of a friend, relative, or former student for doing same.
In hindsight (always easy) the teacher had a lot of options. Send the kid(s) to the principal. Call the parents of the kids on a cell phone and tell them their kids are being disruptive.
Require the kids to write and deliver essays on the benefits they enjoy by being citizens of the US.
Now for the legal: A court case in California was decided in favor of a student (female) who didn't wish to recite the pledge. I hate to say it, but I agree. If you're screwed up enough, and ungrateful enough to have that attitude, it's inappropriate for our country's laws to require it.
However, many years ago, a friend of mine was smarting off to a teacher. The teacher decided he would get physical with him. End result: With one punch, the teacher was knocked unconscious in front of thirty witnesses. Since he instigated it, no charges were filed.
Not a good way to maintain respect as an authority figure.
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