CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Students at a Kanawha County school no longer have to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance, national anthem or anything else during morning observances.

Capital High School Principal Clinton Giles said he changed the school's morning observance policy on Wednesday.

The policy now says students are expected to stand or sit silently during the pledge.

Several students had complained about being required to stand for another song, "Lift Every Voice and Sing," that was played on Fridays over the school's loudspeaker after the pledge and the national anthem. A parent also complained.

He says county school officials determined that eliminating the standing requirement would resolve the issue.

On Monday, Giles cancelled the pledge and the national anthem in response to the complaints.