‘Big Brother’ schools must go

Right now, there is a war being fought within America’s borders. It is a war between students and schools, and most students do not even realize it is happening, or that they’re losing.

Students all across the country are losing their First Amendment rights to school policies. Strangely enough, a public outcry has yet to be heard. In fact, the Sept. 24 Our View in The Crimson White is the first time I’ve heard anyone even come close to bringing up the issue.

While I was surprised and pleased at the editorial board’s recognition of a possible First Amendment rights violation case, I think they did not look at this issue with a wide enough lens. This issue goes beyond Daxx Dalton and “offensive” t-shirts.

In our country, particularly in the pre-collegiate classification, there are schools that, in a Big Brother fashion with each cataclysmic school event like Columbine, or major national event such as Sept. 11 or the current election, tack more restrictions onto students’ rights. This is a problem that should have had attention long ago.

“Offensive” and “disruptive” clothing is not allowed, but what makes something “offensive?” Take this example: A student wears a shirt sporting “I Love Jesus” on the front as an expression of his religious beliefs. Another wears a shirt that states “I Love Satan.” The second student will be told to remove his shirt or risk suspension. Ask a high school principal how he or she would handle such a situation: I did.

“Gang symbols” are banned, as are all black outfits in some schools. Sorry, but will not wearing black prevent someone from bringing in a gun? Will the lack of gang symbols stop a bullet? I highly doubt it. Perhaps these measures are considered “preventative,” but such broad definitions allow for broad interpretations, and the policies allow the troublemakers to hide amongst the crowds. Find out which students will start the fights and then suspend them for their behavior.

Students are being punished for not saying the pledge of allegiance in some schools. Sorry, but the right to not speak is covered by the First Amendment. I never said the pledge my senior year of high school.

Why not?

First, it’s a lie. We are not indivisible. We divide ourselves daily. Also, with 14 percent of our country being atheist, we are not a country under God. Second, does my word mean so little that I have to reaffirm my promises on a daily basis? Am I a compulsive liar? If so, reaffirmation won’t help.

Some schools are banning students from bringing Bibles into schools. Why? Because it might offend someone? Well, the terrible writing in “Great Expectations” offends me, so ban it, too. Please.

There are even schools that ignore the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Lamb’s Chapel v. Center Moriches Union Free School District that states schools cannot ban religious clubs from using their public grounds for meetings.

What needs to happen? The Supreme Court has already done its best, defining free speech as anything not slander, libel or presenting a clear and present danger in Schneck v. U.S., protecting student rights in Tinker v. Des Moines, and others. Now Congress needs to step up. Congress may not abridge, but they can certainly protect. We need to let our lawmakers know that such blatant infringements on our rights will not be tolerated, and that something must be done.

Sean Randall is a junior majoring in theatre and philosophy.