DILWORTH, Minn. (AP) - The Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton school board is split on whether to change a student handbook requiring students to stand during the Pledge of Allegiance.

During a meeting Tuesday, three board members voted to uphold the rule while three voted to change it. School board member Tracy Tollefson didn't attend the meeting, so the board will vote again during its meeting June 19.

"This has not been an issue of the First Amendment," said Chairwoman Marilyn Labrensz, who reluctantly voted for a rule change. "Unfortunately, we have to change our handbook because we can't fight this."

Those who urged board members to keep the rule agreed that it was more about showing respect than First Amendment rights.

"It's about respect for the people who have fought and died for this country," said seventh-grader Jackson Owings.

The Minnesota chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union and the school district's attorney have recommended that the rule be changed because it might not withstand a constitutional challenge.

The ACLU will consider a lawsuit if the board decides to keep the student handbook rule, Minnesota ACLU director Charles Samuelson said.

Several eighth graders were suspended earlier this month for sitting during the pledge, including Bishop Edens, whose mother was dismayed by the school board vote.

"Their votes are going against the law, and that's really disturbing, to say the least," Heather Page said.