Free Speech and Attire in Schools
A recent controversy over the attire of a junior high school students in Simi Valley resulted in a civil action and the retraction of a safety measure imposed by the school’s administration. Little has been said in support of the intent and rationale of the school staff.
In anticipating the possibility of violence, based on recent happenings in the area, the school administration issued a policy prohibiting the wearing of specific garments to prevent the potential of antagonistic conduct which could lead to violent acts.
Student John Spindler sported, on campus, a T-shirt bearing the American flag, in violation of that policy. The educational system is not opposed to the display of the American flag; the schools are proponents of the American Dream: Freedom and justice for all.
However, to have permitted such contempt would be precedent-setting and not just in the enforcement of student safety measures.
Free speech is necessarily subject to interpretation, and common sense oft does not prevail in the face of threatened litigation.
RICHARD W. GREEN
Thousand Oaks
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