Appeals Court Backs District's Ban on Confederate T-Shirts

Its the kids that suffer, as the adults fight.

http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/school_law/2013/03/appeals_court_backs_districts_.html

This article highlights yet another student who wishes to wear themed T-shirts which others find offensive in someway.

In this case, Candace Hardwich clashed repeatedly with school administration from 2002-2006 over her desire to wear, what is being labelled as "Confederate" themed T-shirts.  Below are some of the T-shirts.

"Southern Chicks"
"Dixie Chicks"
"Southern Girls"
"Daddy's Little Redneck"

Candace also sought to wear a T-shirt with 'Black Confederates," honoring the Louisiana Civil War regiment made up of free African-Amercians.

There are other slogans noted, and the article does properly indicate that perception in a school district where racial tension can be high and misperceptions concerning that of the Confederate themes does warrant a closer look into allowing a student to wear such a shirt.

This is a sensitive area and in this case since students are confined with one another in a school on a daily basis, it would be best to alleviate any potentials for aggravation that can be done.  As noted by the March 25th decision, circuit court said the decision to regulate the T-shirts would be controlled by the Latta schools.  Its a delicate balance between suppression of First Amendment rights and keeping the peace in an enclosed environment, like a school.

Here's a followup article from the Gay & Lesbian Political Action & Support Groups organization.

http://www.gaypasg.org/GayPASG/PressClippings/2006/Mar/Girl%20Sues%20School%20Over%20Confederate%20Clothes.htm