Cancel Culture Vs Freedom Of Speech: Trump-Supporting Students

SARASOTA, FL — Reader responses were mixed after Sarasota Patch published an article Friday about a group of Riverview High School students dressing as President Donald Trump, wearing MAGA gear and marching through campus during Spirit Week.

Some students at the school were upset by the incident and heckled them in the halls. Sarasota County Schools and Riverview’s administration is investigating the incident to see if the district’s code of conduct was violated.

In an e-mail to the editor, Donna Hudson, who isn’t the parent of any students at the school, wrote, “I think it’s a good thing that students are paying attention to civics, even though they are too young to vote. Everyone has a right to freedom of speech and their ability to express it freely. This should be a good teaching experience for students, and not become an event to support the ‘cancel culture’ that has been taking over so many aspects of our society.”

She wrote that differences of opinion should be celebrated, adding, “The idea that other students felt ‘uncomfortable’ is another indication that there are people in America trying to stifle the ability of students to think for themselves and listen to both sides of an issue.”

Meanwhile, Reginald Harmon wrote in an email to the editor that these types of activities shouldn’t be allowed on campus.

“This puts kids in a situation where nothing good comes out of it,” he wrote. “I am a concerned parent and I think the staff should be held accountable for allowing kids to hold political rallies on school grounds, it’s almost like these administrators are pushing their own agenda. What’s next at Riverview, school shootings or the parents getting involved and fighting at the school?”

The school needs to do more to promote unity, he added. “We can get so much more done together.”

In the comments section of the article, Chris Barlow wrote, “I'm very proud of these kids taking part in the political process and exercising their right to speak freely.”

And user CK wondered why the students’ actions were considered “controversial.”

“This is America, and we are still free,” they wrote. “If teachers can bring their personal politics into the classroom, why is this wrong? They were peaceful and respectful. How about praising them for that?”

In response to a Patch staff-written Neighbor Post about the story, Linda McWilliams wrote, “Good thing teens can’t vote. They have some growing up to do and (have to) get a bit smarter in life.”

And Sandra Charette wrote, “It was twinning day. No political statement intended except for dressing like the president. Of course, they should be able to express their preference.”

Jesse White responded to the same post, “As a liberal parent of a Riverview High School student, I would say that YES the kids should be able to express themselves. And yes, that includes supporters of our self-serving, idiot, divisive, misogynistic president. Where better than in high school than to develop and exercise rights to express oneself? But there has to be some ground rules: such expression should not demean or put in danger others. Support or opposition to president Donnie, is fine. White supremacist rally on campus, NOT ok. Support of woman's rights, BLM, gay rights. OK. Vandalizing the school — NOT ok. Yelling insults at other school members students of teachers because of their race, gender, political affiliation or other personal attributes — NOT ok. Freedom of speech is for everybody.”