Jared Marcum, an 8th grader at Logan Middle School in West Virginia, has been arrested, suspended, and faces charges for wearing a NRA (National Rifle Association) T-shirt with an image of a firearm (AR-style) on it, plus the slogan "Protect Your Rights". Jared wore the T-shirt thinking there wouldn't be a problem. Why would there be, he included. (WOWK-TV)
Logan Middle School’s policy regarding dress states:
"A student will not dress or groom in a manner that disrupts the educational process or is detrimental to the health, safety or welfare of others. A student will not dress in a manner that is distractive or indecent, to the extent that it interferes with the teaching and learning process, including wearing any apparel that displays or promotes any drug-, alcohol- or tobacco-related product that is prohibited in school buildings, on school grounds, in school-leased or owned vehicles, and at all school-affiliated functions."
With that said, Jared got into an argument with a teacher over the T-shirt which resulted in Jared getting arrested on the grounds that he was "disrupting the educational process." A weak position, at best, by the teacher and school. Abusing power to enforce an agenda in response to an emotional issue - gun control.
My suggestion to Jared and his father, call the ACLU. About a month ago they worked with a middle schooler which allowed her to wear an anti-gay T-shirt. It wasn't considered hate speech, but considered a message based upon her religious beliefs.
The power of a T-shirt can be no stronger than within the confines of a public school system. Students, teacher, parents, school boards and the community are all tested when a student dares to stand up against the normalization of the kids and expresses themselves in a peaceful manner.
Was the school justified in arresting and suspending the student?
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