Student in pro-Trump hat sets off taunting, dialogue at South Portland High

[jpak]

Source: Portland Press Herald

SOUTH PORTLAND — When Connor Mullen started wearing a baseball cap bearing Donald Trump’s campaign slogan to South Portland High School three weeks ago, he expected other students to taunt him.

But when two adults who work in the school made fun of him, including a teacher who Mullen said blurted “Thank God you can’t vote,” he decided to speak out. Friday, he voiced his concerns to administrators and was told that while he was free to wear the hat, which reads “Make America Great Again,” he might want to consider leaving it at home to avoid further problems.

To Mullen, the advice seemed to contradict what he’d heard from teachers over the years, that Americans have a right to their own political opinions, and we must all respect that.

“I knew kids would pick on me about it, that’s just kids being kids, but when the adults started doing it I thought that’s problematic,” said Mullen, 16 and a sophomore. “This is a school that preaches equality.”

<more>

Read more: http://www.pressherald.com/2016/04/12/student-in-pro-trump-hat-sets-off-taunting-dialogue-at-high-school/

---

[hobbit709]

1. The right to your own political opinion also includes the right for others opinions.

It does not include the right to live in an echo chamber.

[Stryst]

88. It seems to me

It seems to me that conservatives often conflate consequences with denial. Because this jacka** might face some consequences for his legal action, he's going to be crying all over the right wing whine-o-sphere that his rights were taken away.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

96. What legal action?

Mullen says he’ll keep wearing the hat everywhere. He says if he stops, then those who belittled him for expressing a political opinion will have won.

“And I don’t want them to win,” he said.

All he wants to do is to wear his hat.

[Stryst]

97. I meant that his action was legal

not that it was a legal action in the sense that it involved the law. He wants to wear his hat. This is legal and allowed. He will face consequences for this. The end.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

98. Oh, now I get it. Thanks. NT

[Stryst]

105. No problem

I'm not the best writer, so I want to make sure there are no misunderstandings.

[Judi Lynn]

117. Great post. Very enjoyable. n/t

[Democat]

2. The school allows all political speech by students?

What about pro-Hitler or pro-KKK t-shirts and hats?

I thought most high schools avoided these issues by prohibiting all political speech during classes.

[Hoppy]

7. Tinker V. Des Moine - Freedom of speech does not stop at the school house door.

That includes the right to point out that others have the right to point out when you are an asshole.

The worse part of the article is that this kid maybe wants to be a cop. Expect to read about him in 7 - 10 years.


Still, I give the kid credit for leaving the computer screen and doing something to express his point of view.

[bhikkhu]

24. Most schools in Oregon don't allow shirts or hats with slogans

The schools in my are don't even allow hats at school, basic dress code. SIlly in one way, and debated about among students frequently, but it does prevent a great deal of disruption to the learning environment. Which is the whole point.

He wouldn't be able to exercise free speech while employed as a cop either, though he would hopefully understand the reasons by then.

[magical thyme]

28. Portland, Maine (not Oregon) nt

[kentauros]

35. And yet another example of why putting the STATE in the headline is important.

Whether it's a commonly-known city or a county (I often seen "Montgomery County" used as a place-name, and it isn't the county just north of Harris County here in Houston), please put the state either in parenthesis at the end of the headline, or as a subheading for the rest of us. It's confusing as hell!

[magical thyme]

38. I agree. I took one look at the OP and immediately scanned to find the post

that would refer to Oregon so I could correct them. Didn't have to look to far

[kentauros]

44. I think the next time I see a story for that other Montgomery County,

I'm going to ask if they mean the one in Texas, and then add a map pointing out that county. When they do reply that it's some other state, then I will be sure to emphasize the importance of not assuming everyone knows where the hell that county resides.

Yes, I understand that most stories originate in the place where the contents of the story takes place, because it's usually only of interest to the locals. But when posting here, the rest of the country (and the world) doesn't know that unless it's specified, and done so early in the story, versus at the end, if at all.

I wonder if I can get the LBN rules modified over this...

[mahatmakanejeeves]

43. LBN rules.

Yeah, I know. My favorite is a headline that says something like "Springfield turns down proposal."

Uh, Springfield where?

[kentauros]

46. So the LBN rule already exists?

That's good to know

My answer to the "Springfield" one would be to suggest "The Simpsons' Springfield"

[Hassin Bin Sober]

50. Yeah. It's really annoying.

I don't blame the op. But it can be really annoying. Even going to the link often doesn't help.

[kentauros]

52. I've noticed that too.

And why it would be so easy for the poster to add it, if they are in that state and it's local news. Otherwise, perhaps it shouldn't be posted at all, if you can't discern geographical location.

I couldn't find LBN rules in the "About this group." I guess I'll have to "Ask the Administrators."

[jpak]

57. Look for the rule when you try to do a post in LBN

It specifies the EXACT title...

Use the EXACT TITLE of the article you are posting, without additional comment. If there is no title yet, be descriptive.

[kentauros]

71. I've never posted anything to LBN.

The news is usually much older than twelve hours by the time I see it. But I did start a post to see what the rules were there. So yes, I saw that you're supposed to use only the exact headline.

My suggestion is that if the geographical location is not included in the headline or in the first four paragraphs that it be included somewhere prominent, such as a subheading.

Less confusion and more accuracy, please.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

76. I try to go with a local newspaper.

If it's an Associated Press story, I'll say the source is "Associated Press, via Richmond Times-Dispatch," for example.

Still, sometimes the "Springfield says 'No'" headline is the best you're going to come up with.

Rules is rules.

[jpak]

86. Great idea

BTW, Portland and Bangor Maine are the Originals - accept no substitutes...

[Hassin Bin Sober]

93. I blame the website more.

I've had times when I had to look for an ad with an address to figure out the state.

[bhikkhu]

108. I should have checked, but a quick read getting ready for work

still...I think my state's laws are sensible, and that leaves me biased against a kid in public school getting in trouble for wearing a hat with a political slogan. Schools are for learning, and its hard enough to manage high school kids. My daughter is a big Sanders supporter, but she knows she can't wear a campaign shirt to school, and understands why.

[ChairmanAgnostic]

3. Freedom of speech cuts both ways, moran.

[magical thyme]

29. freedom of speech does not equate to grabbing his hat and throwing it in the trash

and the student who did that was disciplined.

But other than that, yes, he needs to quit whining about others expressing their opinions.

[ChairmanAgnostic]

31. on that, we agree.

But if you jump into a field filled with bulls that have learned to hate humans, you can hardly complain that you stepped into bullshit while trying to avoid their charge.

[Javaman]

4. I don't think this little troll understands the concept of the 1st amendment.

if one can't defend their opinion against the sling and arrows of the population, that is not a violation of their rights, that's just ones inability to defend their position.

[brucefan]

5. 1st Amendment?

[Javaman]

6. derp LOL I'll fix. nt

[sinkingfeeling]

8. So, he doesn't think adults have a right to their political opinions, but he does?

[MynameisBlarney]

9. I, for one, am shocked.

SHOCKED!

That a moron that supports drumpf also has no fucking clue what protections the 1st Amendment provides. It boggles the mind!

And that teacher was right, thank the FSM your ignorant ass can't vote.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

10. I applaud the kid for standing up and exercising the rights guaranteed him by the First Amendment.

Last edited Tue Apr 12, 2016, 01:54 PM - Edit history (1)

These are not rights that he is "permitted" or "allowed" to have. These are rights that the Constitution affirms he has.

What is dismaying about this story is that so many people feel the proper response is to subject him to physical attack:

Student in pro-Trump hat sets off taunting, dialogue at South Portland High

Sophomore Connor Mullen expected classmates to hassle him, but when staff members joined in he decided to defend his free-speech rights.

By Ray Routhier Staff Writer

[email protected] | @RayRouthier | 207-791-6454

....
Knowing people would be talking about him and looking out for him, Mullen wore the hat again Monday. It was knocked off his head at least once, and one student told him “I’m glad you’re being bullied.”
....

Superintendent Ken Kunin said Monday that school officials first became aware of Mullen being hassled by other students and adults Friday, when a teacher reported that a female student had removed Mullen’s hat from his head and thrown it in a trash can. Mullen said that when he talked to Assistant Principal Phil Rossetti about the incident that day, he told him about the teacher who remarked on his hat.

Mullen said he also told Rossetti about a discussion in one of his classes a few days earlier. When the topic of uninformed voters came up, an education technician took Mullen’s hat off his head and held it up, evoking laughter from his classmates.
....

Kunin referenced the landmark 1969 Supreme Court decision on Tinker v. Des Moines, when the justices sided with high school students who were suspended for wearing black armbands to protest the Vietnam War. The high court ruled 7-2 that students’ free speech should be protected, stating that: “It can hardly be argued that either students or teachers shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate.” ... The court decision gives school officials some latitude in limiting student demonstrations, Kunin said, but they must prove to be a “material and substantial disruption” of school activities.

It's the adults and other students going after Mullen physically who are ignorant of the meaning of the First Amendment. They're the ones who need the schooling.

I completely support Connor Mullen. If you don't get that, take it up with James Madison and George Mason. George Mason could use the support, since he was thrown under the bus a few weeks back when the administrators at the law school named after him decided that money was more important than integrity.

Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District

George Mason

James Madison

By the way, happy birthday (tomorrow), Thomas Jefferson, even though he was in Paris when the Constitution was being written.

Jefferson's gravestone notes the three accomplishments in his life that he felt were of the most importance:

Here was buried
Thomas Jefferson
Author of the Declaration of American Independence
of the Statute of Virginia for religious freedom
& Father of the University of Virginia

Of the University of Virginia, Jefferson said:

"This institution will be based on the illimitable freedom of the human mind. For here we are not afraid to follow truth wherever it may lead, nor to tolerate any error so long as reason is left free to combat it."
- Thomas Jefferson to William Roscoe, December 27, 1820

No wonder people hated Jefferson's guts.

[Gore1FL]

12. He has rights, but they end at terminating others rights becasue they hurt his feelings.

I have no issue with him wearing something that shows he supports trump, but it's stupid for him to assume that when he does, others have to forgo their rights to comment on it.

Besides, he was clearly wearing it for attention. Why does he complain when he gets it?

[mahatmakanejeeves]

13. They're free to comment all they want. What they're doing is going after him physically.

And that's a way different thing.

Good for you, Connor Mullen. Keep wearing the hat.

If others at the school think he is in error, let them use reason to combat him. One more time:

"This institution will be based on the illimitable freedom of the human mind. For here we are not afraid to follow truth wherever it may lead, nor to tolerate any error so long as reason is left free to combat it."

[Gore1FL]

45. They get to tell the kid he's wrong.

His rights to wear apparel does not trump their right to express dismay.

Also, if the school has attire rules to say hats are not allowed, or there is are rules on messages on clothing, they get to enforce them.

[Yo_Mama]

112. I think he was complaining about the physical attempts, which were not confined to students.

Further, when adults in authority mock students for their opinions, they are implicitly creating a situation in which students will take it further.

And no, Trump is not the same as the KKK or the Nazis.

[Gore1FL]

114. Who said he was the same? nt

[Yo_Mama]

116. People in this thread, saying that schools didn't have to tolerate

KKK insignia or Nazi insignia.

I fear this election cycle is destroying perspective and everyone's sense of humor.

[Tempest]

16. You're lying to try to make a point

"It's the adults and other students going after Mullen physically"

NO adult has assaulted him physically.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

18. Read again:

Mullen said he also told Rossetti about a discussion in one of his classes a few days earlier. When the topic of uninformed voters came up, an education technician took Mullen’s hat off his head and held it up, evoking laughter from his classmates.

It's a remote possibility that the education technician is not yet eighteen years old, but not likely.

Best wishes.

[FSogol]

20. Picking a hat off of someone's head is in no way a form of assault.

Nice try.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

21. IANAL. That said:

Last edited Tue Apr 12, 2016, 12:24 PM - Edit history (1)

The legal code of Maine is the standard here. I'm hoping someone who is a lawyer will chime in, but I think I've got this one.

Assault

In criminal and civil law, assault is an attempt to initiate harmful or offensive contact with a person, or a threat to do so. It is distinct from battery, which refers to the actual achievement of such contact.

If someone reaches over and takes the hat off my head, I consider that "an attempt to initiate harmful or offensive contact with a person, or a threat to do so." In fact, this was an "actual achievement of such contact," and therefore battery.

The ACLU is salivating at the chance to go to court with this one. Bet on it.

ETA: In Virginia, you can still read for the law.* I'm pretty sure that includes Googling.

Title 17-A: MAINE CRIMINAL CODE Part 2: SUBSTANTIVE OFFENSES Chapter 9: OFFENSES AGAINST THE PERSON §207. Assault

1. A person is guilty of assault if:

A. The person intentionally, knowingly or recklessly causes bodily injury or offensive physical contact to another person. Violation of this paragraph is a Class D crime; or {2001, c. 383, §10 (NEW); 2001, c. 383, §156 (AFF).}

* Huh? I mean this:

Reading law

Reading law is the method by which persons in common law countries, particularly the United States, entered the legal profession before the advent of law schools. This usage specifically refers to a means of entering the profession (although in England it is still customary to say that a university undergraduate is "reading" a course, which may be law or any other). Reading the law consists of an extended internship or apprenticeship under the tutelage or mentoring of an experienced lawyer. A small number of U.S. jurisdictions still permit this practice today.

Best wishes. Thank you for writing.

[FSogol]

22. Believe it or not, a hat is not part of a person. You can pick a hat up without touching a person.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

23. This was not a case of someone's "picking up" a hat.

Mullen said he also told Rossetti about a discussion in one of his classes a few days earlier. When the topic of uninformed voters came up, an education technician took Mullen’s hat off his head and held it up, evoking laughter from his classmates.

Further, the school administration is aware that Mullen's fellow students are knocking his hat off:

Knowing people would be talking about him and looking out for him, Mullen wore the hat again Monday. It was knocked off his head at least once, and one student told him “I’m glad you’re being bullied.”
....

Superintendent Ken Kunin said Monday that school officials first became aware of Mullen being hassled by other students and adults Friday, when a teacher reported that a female student had removed Mullen’s hat from his head and thrown it in a trash can. Mullen said that when he talked to Assistant Principal Phil Rossetti about the incident that day, he told him about the teacher who remarked on his hat.

If I were Kunin's attorney, the first thing I'd say to him is "shut up." Wait; it's much more polite to advise him to say that he has no comment.

The school administration is obligated to provide Mullen with a place in which he can receive an education with being bullied or attacked. If they fail to provide this protection, they will end up in court and eventually pay out a lot of money.

[FSogol]

25. The douche is learning the effects of free speech. Just because you have the right

to speak up, doesn't mean everyone has to accept your speech. He wanted confrontation and he got it. Now he wants to complain. He is in no physical danger because a girl threw his hat away. If he cannot take care of his property, he should leave it at home. The school should ban his hat. Case closed.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

30. If that turns out to be the school administration's legal defense,

the only decision left is how much they will have to pay after losing any case that ensues from this issue.

Take one of these:



Now add a bunch of those over and over and over and over and.... That's what the settlement will be.

[FSogol]

32. Sure. The courts have always sided with school systems restrictions of the 1st amendment

to avoid disruptions to the school. That's why schools can create dress codes, ban certain groups, ban flags, slogans, gang colors, beer ads, etc. This will be no different and will never go to court.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

34. The ACLU's mileage may vary on what the meaning of "disruptive" is. NT

[beevul]

107. They didn't in tinker. N/t

[revbones]

26. That's pretty ignorant.

Why don't you ask a police officer if you can pull down a woman's skirt. A skirt isn't part of a person.

[FSogol]

27. Completely different.

[revbones]

41. Why don't you go up to a police officer and remove his hat. See what he thinks about it. nt

[revbones]

63. Yes, the facepalm proves your point. rofl

Explain the difference then.

[Tempest]

37. There's always someone who takes it to an illogical conclusion

Taking someone's hat off and pulling down a skirt are in no way the same thing or even close to it.

[revbones]

40. How so?

You're saying removing an article of clothing from someone without their consent is not assault. I think a police officer would tell you different.

[FSogol]

42. Yup, His latest example (hassling an on-duty police officer) is just as ludicrous.

[LanternWaste]

60. An absurd consistency is often a hobgoblin of little minds

An absurd consistency is often a hobgoblin of little minds, regardless of whether those little goblins instruct you to tell people their positions are ignorant or not. But, if that goblin is necessary for an irrational mind to feel more clever about themselves, I imagine they'll justify it on an as-needed basis.

[revbones]

64. Yeah, cuz using the definition of assault and proving you wrong is absurd.

Assault: an intentional act by one person that creates an apprehension in another of an imminent harmful or offensive contact.

Aggravated assault: punishable in all states as a felony, is committed when a defendant intends to do more than merely frighten the victim.

You should do your research

[FSogol]

68. I'm sure the police are converging on playgrounds all around America right now to prosecute the

dangerous and out of control crime of knocking somone's hat off. Oh noes, our justice system will be swamped!

[revbones]

70. Doesn't change the definition does it?

And moronic comments won't change the fact that if you do it, and someone presses charges, then you're probably going to be in court.

But feel free to test your theory. Go ahead. Walk down the street and start knocking off people's hat. I dare you to live up to your comments.

[FSogol]

73. I remember whole little league games where dozens of hats were knocked off in gleeful disregard

of Felony Assault Laws. Somehow we all missed being arrested and arraigned!

[revbones]

74. Test your theory then and prove your comments.

Walk down the street and start knocking hats off people. I dare you to live up to your comments.

[TipTok]

48. Keep your hands to yourself...

Kindergarten rules...

[FSogol]

51. I didn't say removing the hat wasn't wrong. I said it wasn't assault.

[TipTok]

54. It's been clearly proven that it is...

[LanternWaste]

62. You're conflating evidence and proof. How rational...

You're conflating evidence and proof. How rational...

[TipTok]

67. Are you suggesting that if I knocked your hat off your head...

Last edited Tue Apr 12, 2016, 02:15 PM - Edit history (1)

You would have no legal recourse against me?

Ahh... Imagine how civilized the world would be without double standards.

Also, did my apology from a few days ago get lost in the mail? Maybe you should resend it.

[revbones]

65. Why not stick to the definition of assault then?

Assault: an intentional act by one person that creates an apprehension in another of an imminent harmful or offensive contact.

Aggravated assault: punishable in all states as a felony, is committed when a defendant intends to do more than merely frighten the victim.

You should do your research

[beevul]

106. Do it to a cop and see what happens. N/T

[MADem]

89. Telling a kid he's an idiot for wearing that hat is not "physically" going after him.

Taunting him, mocking him, telling him he's stupid--that's free speech. If he wants to wear an asshole hat, he's going to get some asshole comments. You know how it works--free speech invites MORE free speech.

His right to wear a dumbass hat does not abrogate the rights of others to note that the hat is a dumbass hat, representing support for a dumbass candidate.

And it's never too soon to learn this lesson--your choices WILL be critiqued. You are NOT a special snowflake.

"Physically" going after him would involve a shove, a trip, or a fist to the nose. All this little schmuck got was some shade.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

92. Please take another look at the article. Things went beyond "telling."

Thanks for writing. Best wishes.

[MADem]

95. What, the lifting of the hat? If you're going to call that getting physical, that is a bridge too

far.

I have no sympathy for this nitwit. He wanted attention? He got it.

[bhikkhu]

109. The courts have consistently interpreted the constitution to limit those rights in minors

...so, legally, he doesn't have the rights he thinks he has.

I sympathize a bit, as that situation drove me up the wall when I was a teenager, but then I understand much better why it is the case being older.

A demonstration of the lack of those rights is easy - if his parents want to take away his hat, that is their right and he has no legal recourse. If the school wants to prohibit political slogans, or any slogans, on clothing during school hours or on school grounds, that is their right as the legal caregiver of the child. Again, the child has no legal recourse, and dress codes at public schools are most often stricter than what parents would allow. In my own area, hats of any kind can't be worn inside a school building.

Also consider contract law - the signature of a child is legally valid for nothing, as the requisite of mental competence is not considered satisfied until an (arbitrary) age of maturity is reached.

One of the basic principles in a public school is that it is tasked with educating children, and any act or behavior of an individual that interferes with that process may be suppressed. Constitutional rights don't apply until maturity.

[MrModerate]

11. "Disruption" appears to be educators' greatest classroom fear.

And a Trump hat is inherently disruptive.

So, grow up, kid, you're not steeped in enough bile to join the ranks of true assholes just yet. And who knows? You might get a lick of sense before you pass out of High School.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

15. "... a Trump hat is inherently disruptive."

According to...?

[Tempest]

17. He says in so many words he's doing it to be disruptive. n/t

[mahatmakanejeeves]

19. "... in so many words...."

Can you cite a quote in the article? There might be other articles where he does say that.

Best wishes.

[Tempest]

33. He specifically says he knew he would be picked on.

So the only reason for wearing it would to be disruptive.

Period.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

39. Great. So when a gay student comes out in school, knowing that he's going to be picked on,

Last edited Tue Apr 12, 2016, 12:26 PM - Edit history (1)

he deserves what he gets. I mean, it's disruptive, so that makes whatever happens to him his fault.

Uh-oh.

[Gore1FL]

47. The kid wore it to be disruptive.

Schools can have dress codes.

[MrModerate]

110. The school administration, apparently . . .

And me.

[philosslayer]

69. So lets flip the script

2008. African American kid in a 95% white school wears an Obama t-shirt and gets the same response. Yes, its disruptive. And he's publicly ridiculed by his teachers. Same response? Lets see how intellectually honest you are.

[MrModerate]

111. Trump 2016 is so totally different in character . . .

From Obama 2008 that your ethical dilemma is not valid.

I have never, in over half a century of following American politics, seen an election season as ripe for world-historical disaster as this one. Trump has shredded the rules of sane behavior and is making up new ones as he goes along.

And his followers love it and the rest of the political pack scratches its collective head. The cliff edge looms.

So no, an Obama t-shirt in 2008 is not equivalent to a Trump hat in 2016.

[Blandocyte]

14. What the teacher said was comedy gold!

including a teacher who Mullen said blurted “Thank God you can’t vote,”

Ha!

"Blurted." Doesn't sound like a blurt to me.

[Akicita]

66. In your mind, would it be comedy platinum if a teacher said that to an undocumented

immigrant student who expressed a political opinion?

[Blandocyte]

85. It depends on the delivery and the timing

Rules of comedy.

[Akicita]

115. Good answer.

[tymorial]

36. Reverse the message on the hat and place this teenager in a deeply conservative classroom

Would you be celebrating what is occurring with this TEENAGE boy (as misguided his choice of politician may be)?

Regardless:
No teacher should be accosting a student (even verbally) for his political ideology. Asking the kid to take his hat off because it is disruptive to the classroom however WOULD be appropriate. Singling him out and individualizing him in front of others is NOT appropriate even IF that is his endgame. Teachers ought to know how to handle these situations in a professional manner; one that does not involve allowing one's emotions to dictate action. I question the professionalism and maturity of the teachers who behaved this way. I am a school counselor but I taught in a classroom for 15 years.

No student or adult should be physically touching this kid or any part of his body (including clothing). If that touching is unwanted then the student has been harassed and possibly assaulted. Harassment doesn't disappear because you victim is someone you don't like.

Now, he should have left the hat at home. He knew exactly what he was doing and he knew exactly the type of response he would receive. He is absolutely gaming the system and trying to receive attention. I would say the same thing if he was wearing a hat with a slogan that I agree with. I would expect his classmates to attack him... I expect better from educators.

[Gore1FL]

49. I'd be annoyed that the kid was making my candidate look bad by being disruptive.

Disruption for disruptions sake is the key here.

[Akicita]

59. Really? If an AA student wore an Obama hat in a conservative school district that would annoy you

because that somehow makes Obama look bad?

Did Rosa Parks annoy you for being disruptive?

[Gore1FL]

75. If he did it to disrupt, yes.

Rosa Parks isn't a minor in a school trying to disrupt a day of learning.

But good hyperbole!

[Akicita]

77. That was a little hyperbolic.

[Gore1FL]

79. Yeah. When you compared a kid with a hat to Rosa Parks I had to stifle a belly laugh

I am glad you now see your post as over-the-top.

[Akicita]

82. My only comparison was that both were disruptive and both stood up for their beliefs despite

receiving abuse. Admittedly Rosa's case was big league as was the abuse compared to the little league case of the kid so it was somewhat hyperbolic.

[Hassin Bin Sober]

53. Backpfeifengesicht

[mahatmakanejeeves]

72. Noun (rather colloquial) a face in need of a slap

Backpfeifengesicht

Really?

[Akicita]

55. Students engaging in political debate by expressing support/opposition to candidates is a good thing

But not when it devolves into taunting and knocking hats off. I bet many on this thread who think that taunting this Trump supporter is free speech would think it was bullying if an AA girl in a white conservative school district wearing a hat supporting Obama when he was running was taunted and had her hat knocked off in a similar fashion. I think I would.

There is a line somewhere between free speech and bullying. I'm not sure where that line should be. Personally, I think it would have been easy for the students to make a fool out of this kid just by engaging in thoughtful, intelligent debate about Trump's stance on the issues. But that would require some thinking and taunting is just so much easier.

[Gore1FL]

78. If the make believe straw man girl came to disrupt her hat, she should be forced to remove her hat.

School is not for the creation of narcissistic drama.

[Akicita]

94. Far from disruptive, political debate in high school is a good thing. It educates students on the

issues and they learn to form intelligent arguments and get practice to express and defend their beliefs. Those who devolve into taunting are the disruptors. They could have easily destroyed this kid intellectually by simply debating Trump's stand on the issues in a respectful manner and they would have been the better for it. But taunting is easy and I suppose more fun for some.

[Gore1FL]

99. That wasn't a debate it was a distraction.

The place for such a discussion is in his civics class.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

101. Is that the free speech zone? NT

[Gore1FL]

102. Minors don't have free speech. n/t

[mahatmakanejeeves]

103. What about an eighteen-year-old senior? Would he be able to wear the hat outside civics class? NT

[Gore1FL]

104. FFS. Not in school. Schools have rules . Rules your imaginary student chose to follow at 18.

If the student decides differently, he is free to exercise his adulthood and leave.

This really isn't rocket science.

[romanic]

87. Agree with everything you said.

Personally I don't think high school is the place for national politics, but if it can create dialogue among them then it wouldn't be so bad. Obviously that's not the case here with all of the taunting.

[Akicita]

90. I think political debate in high school is good for students if it is done in a respectful manner.

It helps students learn to think and they can practice expressing and defending their views. But not if it is allowed to devolve into taunting.

[Yo_Mama]

113. It's a necessity, isn't it? How does one even deal with American history without getting political?

Of course there will be political discussion in high schools.

Many of the historical stuff is still highly relevant in today's environment, such as the union movement.

[surfer2009]

56. “Thank God you can’t vote,”

This is a big big story
“Thank God you can’t vote,”

[Akicita]

58. Would it be appropriate for a teacher to say that to an undocumented immigrant student who expressed

a political opinion?

[philosslayer]

61. You won't get a response

Bullies rarely respond

[Gore1FL]

80. I for one am glad young teens can't vote. n/t

[jwirr]

81. So he has this right but no one else does?

[Akicita]

83. As far as I know any student at that school can wear a hat supporting their candidate of choice.

[jwirr]

84. There are many forms of freedom of speech. Remember that

burning the flag is considered freedom of speech so the problems here are when it is carried too far - the hat in the garbage can - the teacher who used the hat as a prop for his lesson. But what was voiced is freedom of speech for all concerned.

[Akicita]

91. Debate and disagreeing - Yes, Taunting - No

[lark]

100. "Equality"

If he cared one whit about equality he wouldn't be promoting the thin skinned one. He just uses it as a shield for himself, but doesn't give that respect to others. Oh, he's just a typical Repug, this is what they all do.