NISKAYUNA, N.Y. -- The Niskayuna Board of Education addressed student-athlete protests during the national anthem ahead of Tuesday night's board of education meeting.

It comes after some players and a cheerleader knelt during the national anthem before a football game two weeks ago. The board president read a statement, saying the board supports and respects students' decision to express their views.

At the most recent football game, all players stood, but one cheerleader opted once again to take a knee. The issue continued to linger after the school decided not to play the national anthem during the pep rally.

Some parents don't think these protests are the right approach.

"School is not the appropriate venue for that,” said Madelyn Mallein, a parent. “And imitating sports idols shouldn’t dictate how we run our school.”

“In the national debate over the decision made by professional footballers during the national anthem, we hear different perspectives and views,” said Rosemarie Perez Jaquith, the school board president. “Those different perspectives and views are present of the board and in the community we serve. We are grateful to live in a country where we can have different views and express them freely.”

The students who did kneel during the national anthem two weeks ago were not punished.