Father angry about school telling son to remove Edwards T-shirt

[Omaha Steve]

This was posted in the Texas group and didn't get much attention there: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=180&topic_id=46330

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/tx/5207258.html

By PAUL J. WEBER Associated Press Writer
© 2007 The Associated Press

DALLAS — The parents of a teenager who wore a T-shirt supporting Democratic presidential hopeful John Edwards believe school officials violated their son's right to free speech by forcing him to change clothes.

Paul "Pete" Palmer, a 15-year-old sophomore at Waxahachie High School, was pulled aside last month and told his parents needed to bring him a shirt to replace one that had a "John Edwards 08" logo on the front.

School officials said the decision wasn't political, but rather an enforcement of a new dress code policy prohibiting T-shirts that contain any writing not related to the school or education.

"This is a kid walking down the hall, not bothering anybody, with a T-shirt on that says who he wants to be president," said Paul Palmer, Pete's father. "He has a First Amendment, affirmative right."

The incident took place Sept. 21 after Pete was pulled aside by a school official for wearing all black, another dress code violation. The story was first reported by the Waxahachie Daily Light.

Paul Palmer said he knew that bringing the Edwards shirt to his son would potentially trigger a reaction from administrators.

FULL story at link.

[niyad]

1. then there had better not be ANY repuke t-shirts, or "support bush" etc in evidence

I would also demand to see a written copy of the dress code and when it was issued.

[msongs]

2. wear a "John Edwards supports education 2008" shirt - meets the rule nt

[AzDar]

3. Excellent suggestion.