Following requests that students refrain from yelling “USA” during events, a California high school has generated debate.

Following advice not to chant “USA” during sporting events and demonstrations, a high school in California attracted extensive media attention and generated a strong debate. School officials at Vista Del Lago High School in Folsom, where the incident started, suddenly decided the slogan, often used to show national pride unacceptable.

For many years since they were little, children attending the school have been showing their patriotism by yelling “USA” during games and rallies. Conversely, the school’s management has just sent a directive to the students asking them not to use the chant. The government clarified that one could understand the chanting as being exclusive or intolerant.

Senior Ryan Bernal spoke on the choice during an interview with KOVR, saying, “I wasn’t angry, but I was definitely like, ‘Why can’t we chant USA?'” Bernal was addressing the choice. “To imply that everyone of us in the United States of America is exactly like another. Everybody of us is an American. Neither your skin tone nor the nation where you were born matter.

The conflict started when high school instructors and staff members brought up the topic in reference to a leadership class. Daniel Thigpen, the Director of Folsom Cordova Unified Communications, claims that the goal was to concurrently inspire patriotism, empathy, and charity. He said, it is something one can do and one may practice both values without alienating anybody.

According to KOVR, certain colleges around the nation have exploited the “USA” cry in a way deemed offensive to people of all colors. These institutions are spread over the nation. There have been cases when the chant has been used to transmit a message of exclusion or contempt, which has caused concerns about it perhaps unintentionally marginalizing some children.

Said Mike Garrison of the California Interscholastic Federation, “There’s a time and a place to yell that and cheer that.” This comment suggests that even if patriotism is important, the context in which it is conveyed should be given some thought.

In an attempt to solve the issue, Vista Del Lago High School’s principal emailed the district’s families outlining the circumstances and asking that they not yell “USA” during particular times. Furthermore, the principal made it quite evident that although the chant itself was not forbidden, it should be used in appropriate situations, such following the Pledge of Allegiance recitation or the performance of the national song.

“I want to chant USA because I want us to pull together and help, not because I want anyone to feel left out or not a part of our country,” Natalie Woodbury, a mother of one of the students, said in expressing support for the idea that patriotism should unite rather than divide.

District officials made it clear, in spite of the formal announcement, there was no total ban for shouting “USA.” The guidance was meant to only help avoid any negative or inadvertent consequences connected to the chant in particular contexts.

On social media, the issue generated intense arguments among readers whose points of view were rather different depending on their position. There were some who expressed their wrath over what they considered to be an attack on the freedom to free speech and patriotism, while others commended the school’s stance and said that one should consider how the chant could be understood.

After reading the article, someone noted: “It is principals like this one that are little by little destroying our public schools, and that is SAD!” We should thank the kids who attended sporting activities held at their schools and who showed their love for our country, the United States of America. There is disgrace on the running of such institution.

Regarding student defense, others were equally passionate as these people were. That is unacceptable and disrespectful. One questioned in a comment, “Are you serious?” As loud as you can, I want you to chant “USA”. Thanks the Lord for you children! Give the God-given right you under the First Amendment your all! Everybody of us is quite pleased of you! God bless each and every one of you!

The events at Vista Del Lago High School have raised more general issues regarding the need of preserving a balance between patriotism, inclusivity, and free expression as the debate goes on. These inquiries have spurred discussions that transcend the school’s athletic events and even well beyond.

Sources: KOVR