My experience as a student in a US public school a dozen or so years ago was that it functioned as a borderline fascist institution, to an extent that I think w

My experience as a student in a US public school a dozen or so years ago was that it functioned as a borderline fascist institution, to an extent that I think would be quite surprising to the rest of the world. Every day began with the Pledge of Allegiance recited in the classroom, facing the US flag, hand on chest. Permission was required to use the restroom during class. Class changes were anounced by automated bells in the hallway, at which time students stampede to their next class within 6 minutes, including any necessary pit stops, such as a restroom break. This is high school, where students typically attend until 18. Schools loom so large in students' lives; and when school attendance is compulsory for all, and public school the only option for many; and when these institutions so easily sacrifice respect for individuality in favor of keeping order inexpensively; I am all for ensuring students can enjoy their full speach rights when they come home at the end of the day.