Local High School Student Takes A Zero Grade On Art Project

Editors Note: I added this photo to make a point.

A 9th grader in Art class was given a project to create a piece of work with a large letter imposed over a background that they should draw which signifies and expresses things meaningful to the student – things that represent them or things they like. After the project was underway, the teacher saw a student had part of the confederate flag as one third of the background. The other two parts were an ocean and the words USA. The teacher said that he had to redo the project because the confederate flag is offensive. His classmates, including two African American students stated that they didn’t think it was offensive. The teacher said that what they thought didn’t matter. The student was given the choice of redoing the project or taking a zero. He chose the zero. I would add that there is no written school policy against wearing, carrying or displaying this flag. Some students do wear them on clothing, etc.

My initial question is – does the teacher have the ability to punish the student or ban the student from the use of the flag in a personal art project? (not to be displayed publicly)

I posed this question to the administration who responded, and not very delicately, that students do not have “rights” over the teacher deciding what is acceptable in the classroom. They also said that what the other students felt or thought was irrelevant. The teacher is the ultimate law and whether it is fair or not doesn’t matter because children have to obey the authority figure in a classroom no matter what. How can that be possible?

I agree that the student should not disrespect or argue publicly with the teacher.

I personally do not agree that the flag was used in an abusive manner nor was it intended as a slight or infringement or offense to fellow students. The flag represented (in his words) the South, southern rock, hunting and things he enjoys. I do understand that the teacher in an effort to be hyper cautious was trying to avoid a possible issue.

The teacher also pointed out to the student that because he was of partial Mexican decent he should be offended himself. Isn’t it up to the individual what is offensive to them? Why try and convince or question a child to make them feel an offense if none existed before? I feel like children are taught to be offended and more discontent is fed to them then would exist on its own. The cycle will never end if generations continue to teach hate and discontent.

If this project was offensive then equally most history classes, literature classes and other venues should be curtailed so as to not offend. We as a society spend so much time trying not to offend that we are tripping over ourselves and being even more hurtful in the process. And I have to believe that intention does matter – particularly in a case of artistic expression. There was no malice intended nor perceived by any of the students. I feel that the end result was that in an effort to resist possibly offending someone, the teacher managed to clearly offend the personal right to expression of the student.

I am undecided on how I will proceed at this point. I feel that there is a line being crossed or blurred when an administrator can say that the students do not have rights. Perhaps that was not really what they meant, but they were the words used exactly. So my second question is – is that the case? That our children leave the protection of the Constitution at the door or the school? Don’t get me wrong – I do believe that there need to be limitations – I just felt that this teacher applied her understanding of the situation inappropriately, but for the administration to back it up based on exceptions in place to protect the student body as a whole and prevent disruption was out of line. Or is there no actual line?

I feel that the situation could have been assisted by the teacher taking the time to privately explain why the flag might cause discomfort to another student. It could have been a learning experience rather than a public display of power. I’m discouraged by the statements that the students because they are children do not have rights. I understand that the flag has complex and multiple meanings for various cultures and generations. The student now understands that too, but for him it still stands for something personal which is not derogatory. And isn’t he equally entitled to that?

There are many symbols that various people find offensive for different reasons. I wonder if it were a Cross, Star of David, Masonic symbol, Mexican flag, Crescent and Star, Don’t Tread On Me flag, etc if these would have been considered offensive as well. None of these symbols is banned from use in our schools – nor do I think they should be. America is diverse – that is what we as a country have consistently supported and extolled. Doesn’t diversity require a measure of equitable acceptance?

I would like honest and candid opinions on this topic. It has many facets and is a controversial one, but I would like to make an informed decision on what if anything I should consider as a next step.

Thank you and have a good day!