Kneeling in church? Still OK. During the national anthem? You’d better not.

The Diocese of Rockville Centre, that encompasses Nassau and Suffolk Counties on Long Island, has issued a warning to its three high schools that students and spectators cannot kneel or otherwise protest when the national anthem is played before games and other school events.

Newsday reports the Diocese sent out the directive, explaining that it has a long-standing policy against protests during the anthem.

Spokesman Sean Dolan says violators would be disciplined on a case-by-case basis.

“This is a reminder that all student-athletes and spectators are expected to stand during the playing of the National Anthem at school sporting events, without any gestures of demonstration or protest,” the directive said, according to Newsday.

“This is long-standing school policy and applies equally to all participants and audiences at all school events, including those that are not sporting; for example, concerts and plays. We ask our students also to recognize that failure to abide by this policy may result in serious disciplinary action.”

Bishop John Barres had instructed that the statement be sent by the diocese’s Education Department to the three Catholic high schools in the diocese.

The reminder comes amid the national debate over NFL players kneeling during the national anthem to protest police killings of unarmed black people and other racial and social injustices.

President Donald Trump says the protesters are disrespectful and has called for them to be fired.

Also, students attending schools affiliated with the Diocese of Toledo, Ohio, could face discipline for kneeling during the national anthem or Pledge of Allegiance.

The Blade reports the director of religious reformation at Toledo’s Central Catholic High School has sent an email to teachers reminding them of the diocesan directive about the anthem and pledge from last year.

Father Matthew Rader told teachers that protests “will not be tolerated.” Rader wrote that teachers should remind student protesters of the diocese’s policy and send them to the office if they argue.

A spokeswoman says diocesan schools aren’t public institutions and shouldn’t be used for political protests.

Toledo public schools have said students have the right to kneel or sit during the anthem.