http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/09/23/fifth-grader-suspended-for-wearing-anti-obama-shirt/An 11-year-old boy in Colorado was suspended from school after he refused to take off a shirt that read, “Obama is a terrorist’s best friend.” His father says that the school is violating his son’s First Amendment rights.
Daxx Dalton, a fifth grader at Aurora Frontier K-8 School in Aurora, Colo., wore the homemade shirt on a day when students were asked to show their patriotism by wearing red, white and blue, according to MyFOXColorado.com.
When he was given the choice of turning the shirt inside out or being suspended, Dalton chose suspension.
“They’re taking away my right of freedom of speech,” he said. “If I have the right to wear this shirt I’m going to use it. And if the only way to use it is get suspended, then I’m going to get suspended.”
Dann Dalton, the boy’s father — a “proud conservative” who has taken part in anti-abortion protests — told MyFOXColorado.com that the school is making a mistake by suspending his son.
“It’s the public school system,” he said. “Let’s be honest, it’s full of liberal loons.”
He later told FOX News, “I didn’t expect (my son) to get what he got, that was ridiculously uncalled for.”
His son also told FOX News he was “encouraged” to wear the shirt by his father.
“I felt like I should wear it, because I have a right to,” he added.
The school district would not discuss the case, but said the district “respects a student’s right to free speech, such as the right to wear specific clothing,” but they reserve the right to review any situation that interrupts the learning environment, MyFOXColorado.com reported.
Dalton’s suspension was for willful disobedience and defiance, not for wearing the shirt. His father said he intends to sue the district.
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