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As a young fifth grader, Will Phillips is showing Americans that you don't have to be an adult to stand up for what you believe in.

A 10-year-old boy from northwest Arkansas says America isn't following the meaning or spirit behind the Pledge of Allegiance, and had decided he won't say the Pledge until gays and lesbians are given the same rights as everyone else.

On October 8, Laura and Jay Phillips were contacted by their Arkansas middle school; their son Will talked back to his substitute teacher because he refused to stand and recite the Pledge of Allegiance. He pushed back and said that he won't follow along until he believes there is "liberty and justice for all". "Gays and lesbians can't marry. There's still a lot of racism and sexism in the world."

''Yes, my son is 10. But he's probably more aware of the meaning of the pledge than a lot of adults. He's not just doing it rote recitation. We raised him to be aware of what's right, what's wrong, and what's fair" Will's mother said.

Will Phillips and his father spoke to CNN's American Morning show about the stand Will has taken.

Watch the CNN interview video withWill and his father Jay.