Note: we are republishing this story, which originally made the news in September 2017.<\/p>\n
A California high school stirred up controversy after students were told not to chant \u201cUSA\u201d during sporting events and rallies.<\/p>\n
Students at Vista Del Lago High School in Folsom, California, often chanted \u201cUSA\u201d as a way to show pride during games and rallies. Now, school officials have asked that the students not chant, as it could come across as intolerant.<\/p>\n
\u201cI wasn\u2019t angry, but I was definitely like, \u2018Why can\u2019t we chant USA?’\u201d senior Ryan Bernal told KOVR. \u201cTo say USA, you know, we\u2019re all the same. We\u2019re all American. It doesn\u2019t matter what your skin tone is or where you\u2019re from.\u201d<\/p>\n
Staff at the high school brought the topic to students\u2019 attention during a leadership class.<\/p>\n
Daniel Thigpen, the Folsom Cordova Unified Communications Director, said, \u201cTo practice empathy, to practice kindness and to practice patriotism. You can do both.\u201d<\/p>\n
KOVR noted that in some schools across the country, the \u201cUSA\u201d chant has been used in a derogatory manner toward people of different ethnicities.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s a time and a place to yell that and cheer that,\u201d said Mike Garrison of the California Interscholastic Federation.<\/p>\n
The principal of Vista Del Lago High School sent an email to district families relaying the warning against the chant \u2014 a warning which was also given to students over the school\u2019s P.A. system. The principal said that sometimes by using the chant, \u201cWe can communicate an unintended message.\u201d<\/p>\n
The principal added that the USA chant is welcome, but only at appropriate times, such as following the Pledge of Allegiance or after the national anthem.<\/p>\n
\u201cI want to chant USA because I want us to pull together and help, not because I want anybody to feel left out or not a part of our country,\u201d said mother Natalie Woodbury.<\/p>\n
District officials clarified that there is no ban on chanting \u201cUSA.\u201d<\/p>\n
Readers shared their thoughts on the story on Facebook.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is principals like this one that is little by little destroying our public schools and that is SAD!\u201d one reader commented. \u201cBe thankful the students were attending their schools sporting events and voiced their love for our country, the Grand Old USA. Shame on the Leadership of that school.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIntolerable and offensive?\u201d another user wrote. \u201cAre you serious! You kids chant USA AS loud as you can! Thank the Lord for you kids! Hold your ground to your 1st Ammendment God given right! We\u2019re all so proud of you all! God Bless you all!!\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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