I am happy that these high school newspaper students thought enough to
address the school mascot name in the school paper, and with the school board.
While their plea NOT to use the school's "REDSKINS" mascot name in
print in the school newspaper, their plea fell on deaf ears as the school board
declined their request.
My question is: Is by blocking this request, squashing their First
Amendment Right to free speech? Understand that I am throwing this out here for
discussion because truly I feel that the students rights have been trampled.
While I understand that the School Board makes the by-laws for the school
district, the curriculum, and the budget, which by the way includes a school
newspaper. Maybe it is time for the School Board to take a class in high school
civics, where The Constitution is not only taught but discussed throroughly (or
it least it was when I was in school).
If you google the Neshaminy School DIstrict, there has been a request from
a Native American parent, and the Pennsylvania Human RIghts Commission (PHRC)
to cease using the "Redskins" as the school mascot. In CNY alone,
Livverpool High School was forced to cease using "Warriors" as well
as Central Square "Redmen" as their mascot names. While I feel both
can be used as "slurs" the CNY region has true ties to the Native
American nations. Onondaga's, Mohawks, Oneida's, Iroquois, Cayuga's, Seneca's,
& Tuscarora's. What many do not realize is that those of us raised in the
CNY region embrace our beginnings as Native American settlements.
Maybe I am making a mountain out of an anthill, however I feel as if these
students rights were violated. To my teacher friends, can you please help me to
understand why the district would vote this way.
http://www.buckslocalnews.com/articles/2013/11/14/the_advance/news/doc5255a907285cb470672258.txt
No comments:
Post a Comment