A high school in California recently sparked controversy after its officials advised students to refrain from chanting “USA” during sports events and rallies. Vista Del Lago High School, located in Folsom, California, had become known for its students regularly chanting the phrase as a display of national pride. However, school authorities expressed concern that the chant could be perceived as intolerant by some.
Ryan Bernal, a senior at the school, shared his reaction to the decision. He explained that while he wasn’t upset, he did feel confused by the request. “Why can’t we chant USA?” he questioned. According to Bernal, the chant is meant to represent unity, saying that regardless of skin color or origin, everyone is American. He believes the chant promotes a sense of togetherness.
The issue was first brought to the attention of students during a leadership class. Daniel Thigpen, the Communications Director for the Folsom Cordova Unified School District, emphasized the importance of practicing both empathy and patriotism. He reassured students that they could express pride in their country while being considerate of others’ feelings.
Some school officials pointed out that, in certain situations, the “USA” chant has been used in a harmful way, particularly towards individuals from different ethnic backgrounds. This has led to concerns that the chant could be misinterpreted or cause discomfort among students of diverse backgrounds. The school aimed to address these concerns by encouraging more inclusive forms of patriotism.
Mike Garrison, a representative from the California Interscholastic Federation, also weighed in on the issue, stating that while there is an appropriate time and place for the chant, it must be done in a manner that fosters unity and respect. He highlighted the importance of being mindful of the context in which patriotic expressions are used.
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