The Daily Caller reports that a North Carolina high school principal has been replaced after she asked a student to remove a customized 'President Trump 45' jersey at a patriotic themed sporting event.
As principal of Harnett Central High School, Cindy Gordon asked senior Matthew Collins to remove a jersey that said "USA" on the front and "TRUMP 45" on the back in red, white, and blue. Despite the fact that Collins was wearing the jersey to a patriotic themed football game, Gordon claimed she received complaints from parents about Collins' choice of expression. She then told Collins he had to take off the jersey or leave. He chose to leave.
But, Collins also said that his shirt was simply meant to be seen as a sign of respect for the office of the presidency. "We’re not promoting Donald Trump,” Michael Collins said. “He’s our president. Again you’ve got to respect your president.”
Collins' family turned to legal help which pressured the school district to take some sort of action against Ms. Gordon.
“As long as the expression does not disrupt, and is not reasonably expected to disrupt, the educational mission of the school system, these rights include wearing clothing expressing political messages or supporting political candidates,” Harnett County school district spokeswoman Natalie Ferrell told the media.
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The Caller reports that "Catherine Jones, who is the current principal at Harnett Primary, was named as Gordon’s replacement, according to a press release from Harnett County Schools Friday. Dunn Middle School Assistant Principal Calvetta Dunkins will serve as the interim principal at the primary school."
Collins' family attorney thanked the Harnett County school district for their prompt action.
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