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Posted on 05/26/2005 10:22:33 AM PDT by freepatriot32
A teenager was back in class Friday after receiving a one-day suspension for wearing a T-shirt with slogans including "freedom of expression" and "don't drink and drive" that school administrators considered disruptive.
Hanna Smith, 18, a junior at Tift County High School, said principal Mike Duck told her that if she wore the shirt again she would be suspended for the remainder of the year.
The principal was arrested six years ago for DUI and running a stop sign, the Tifton Gazette said Friday in a story on Smith's suspension. Duck made a public apology for the DUI and was himself suspended for five days.
Smith's mother, Tracy Fletcher, said she would defend her daughter's right to express herself, even if it means hiring an attorney and taking the case to court.
"They want everyone to fit into a mold and there's no room for individuality. These kids are our future, I think they should be treated with a little more respect. Their opinions count. Their thoughts count," Fletcher said.
The principal confirmed that Smith was back in class Friday without the banned T-shirt, which also had a peace symbol on the front and "Veritas" (truth) written on the back.
On Friday, Smith wore a different T-shirt, this one reading "Don't Underestimate Individuality," her mother said. The first letters of those words spell "DUI." Her mother said the teen plans to wear the banned T-shirt again on Monday.
Duck said he could not comment on the suspension.
"We can't discuss children and their issue," he said. "It's a matter of privacy and protection of their rights."
The school system's dress code forbids disruptive clothing, grooming and symbols. Principals decide what's disruptive.
"I have an obligation to maintain an orderly environment," Duck said. "The courts give me the authority and the right to make those decisions and as long as I'm sitting in this chair that's what I'm going to do."
Smith said she learned about Constitutional rights, such as freedom of expression, in class and wishes school officials would honor them.
"I think it's silly that we can't practice the freedoms that they teach us here," Smith said. "You would think that school officials would have respect for the law and people's rights, or at least they should."
Oh to be that youn g and niave again.She actually thinks we live in a free country with a constitution isnt that cute
Libertarian ping.To be added or removed from my ping list freepmail me or post a message here
He's drunk paranoid jackass.
Some schools passed a dress code that included no shirts with slogans. maybe we aren't getting the whole story.
Tell the principal what you think:
mduck@tiftschools.com
Perhaps the slogans reminded Mr. Duck of just how irresponsible he was for getting behind the wheel while soused.
...From out of the mouths of babes.
-Regards, T.
His skin is thin too. Her shirt actually had a positive message.
"I am not a drive drunker"
What rights, Mr. Duck? You say she doesn't have a right to wear a T-shirt that you don't like. Quack, quack..
An 18-year-old high school junior... I'm willing to bet she isn't that smart to begin with.
Isn't that a bit old to be a junior?
And you hugged your mom with those shirts on? :)
he may be drunk and paranoid, but schools are not run as a democracy but rather a monarchy and if he allows hers, then he has to allow them all and guaranteed the slogans will go down hill from here on out.
The courts don't have the authority to give the principal of a public school authority to commit egregious violations of the 1st Amendment. "Disruptive" can only be legally defined in a neutral way. The only thing "disruptive" about the shirt is that it reminds the principal and the other students about a past misdeed committed by the principal. There is certainly nothing inherently disruptive about a T-shirt bearing a "don't drink and drive" message being worn at a high school.
No, she did not know I had them. I have always been very un-PC. I like the shock factor.
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