A California school principal did not violate the freedom of speech of a group of students who wore American flags on their shirts on Cinco de Mayo when he told them to turn the shirts inside out or go home, a federal judge has ruled.Hispanic students take offense at displays of American flags on "their day", and react negatively enough--cause enough of a problem--that the school bans not their behavior but American flag shirts.
Citing past clashes between Mexican American and Anglo students over their clothing on the Mexican holiday, Chief U.S. District Judge James Ware of San Francisco said school officials "reasonably forecast that (the shirts) could cause a substantial disruption" and were entitled to take steps to prevent it, the San Francisco Chronicle reports.
It's easy to bash Christians--no one worries that Christians will cut their heads off. Try posting a cartoon of Muhammed, though. We're allowing the trouble-makers to dictate the rules. The lesson to be learned here is that if you want your way, all you have to do is cause trouble. This way there lie dragons, not a civic society.
Update, 11/15/11: A teacher at school today made an interesting point. Would the school ban gay pride t-shirts? After all, if you have a bunch of homophobes at the school, the pride t-shirts could set them off and you'd have carnage. Best to ban the gay pride t-shirts.
The court in effect sanctioned a heckler's veto. Bad call.
The school should be able to ban anything that disrupts the learning environment. Of course, you need a competent leader/principal in place who can do this effectively and not go overboard like some of the nuckleheads out there.
ReplyDeleteIsn't there a school newspaper that can be used for groups and individuals who want their voices heard? Teach these kids this is the forum that should be used, not clothing....yeesh! Is common sense gone??
like it or not, the judge worded his decision within the provisions of ed code. i disagree, and i would HOPE that at the very least it would extend to the display of Mexican flags as well. Personally . . .I don't see any reason to ban any of it. Wear what you want. If someone starts a fight because of it, suspend or expel them.
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