Posted on 02/19/2005 1:24:13 PM PST by Alex Marko
This is a copy of the reply I have recieved from the President of the Board of education of the school district that banned red, white and Blue beads that a young girl wore for her uncle in Iraq.
Dear Mr. Marko:
You are quite wrong. There are gangs in our community but not our schools, because we take a hard line on anything that remotely resembles gang activity. We have removed beads from a number of students, without regard to color. In fact, expressions of partriotism and support for our troops is not only permitted but encouraged. At Mt. Pleasant in particular, the principal has been honored by the American Legion, VFW and the Air force for his program of recognition for veterans. Personally, I support the mission in Iraq. I also support the police and take their advice on matters related to gangs.
Thanks for your note \ Jeff Janiszewski
This is related to this story...
Colorful beads lead to court Student claims Schenectady school district cannot ban her red, white and blue necklace
By MICHELE MORGAN BOLTON, Staff writer First published: Thursday, February 17, 2005
ALBANY -- A Mont Pleasant middle school student is taking her freedom-of-expression fight to federal court, claiming Schenectady school officials have no right to ban her from wearing a handmade red, white and blue necklace to class. The beads, which Raven Furbert got as a string-it-yourself Christmas gift, symbolize love of country and respect for soldiers serving in Iraq, according to the lawsuit her mother, Katie Grzywna, filed in U.S. District Court in Albany.
Among those soldiers is her uncle, J. Barnes, who is a member of the Army National Guard's 42nd Rainbow Division, and three other relatives. Barnes shipped out to Kuwait in October, and went on active duty in Iraq the first week in January.
HIS own teachers said there has been NO gang activity in that school.
Zero tolerance on beads. Probably crosses and St. Christophers medals too. Mind you I am guessing.
JJ said the same thing.
"There are gangs in our community but not our schools"
I have to give him kudos for answering you.
However, banning Raven's beads is still wrong.
I haven't read everything posted over the last couple of days, but I have this question: What gang uses red, white, and blue? Some use red. Some gangs use blue. None that I'm aware of use red, white, and blue.
His arguement would hold water if they also banned certain colors from their clothes, took other measures along banning the beads, or could demonstrate that beads were being used by gangs in teh community. But he hasnt or wont. His blind defense of that school's policy is irresponsible.
I am in complete agreement with you.
She should have said it was a symbol of her wiccan religion, lesbian solidarity or some other PC cause and the beads would have been allowed with no question.
This is one more instance of the addle-headed keep-em-in-school-at-all-costs mentality. If they wanted to combat violent gang members, they would expel them from school permanently whenever they exhibit inappropriate violence. That's too simple--and too drastic--for most of these milky-veined anemics who run the government schools. As a result, they actually draw pay to cull beads from the body politic.
umm,...the American Patriots Gang.
The IRS? :)
Left myself wide open. 8>)
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