ROCHESTER, N.Y. (AP) — An upstate New York boys soccer team has staged a silent protest during the national anthem for the second time in three days.

The Rochester Democrat and Chronicle reports that seven players from the World of Inquiry boys soccer team stood during the national anthem at their game Thursday night while the other 11 players knelt at midfield. In their previous game, all 18 players knelt during the anthem.

Players and coach Rich Paufler declined to speak afterward.

School principal Sheelarani Webster says the basic premise is that everybody has an individual right. But she says school officials want to make sure the players make an informed decision.

The Rochester City School District sent a letter home with players on Wednesday encouraging them to talk with their families about the anthem protest.

[STORY BY: THE ASSOCIATED PRESS]

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