Cindy Gordon is the former principal at Harnett Central High School in Angier, North Carolina. Gordon was removed from her position after complaints surfaced that she forced a student, the 18-year-old son of Mike Collins, to remove a Donald Trump jersey at the school’s “America Night” football game.
Students were told to dress up for the patriotic-themed event, but Gordon prohibited one student from wearing his choice of clothing.
“While we cannot comment on specific student issues, the Harnett County Schools supports and affirms students’ rights to express themselves,” a spokesperson for the school district told WTVD-TV. “As long as the expression does not disrupt, and is not reasonably expected to disrupt, the educational mission of the school system, these rights include wearing clothing expressing political messages or supporting political candidates.”
Here is what we know.
What Happened?
The 18-year-old son of Mike Collins wore a jersey with the stars and stripes on the sleeves, the Statue of Liberty torch on the front along with “USA,” and “TRUMP” printed across the back for a patriotic-themed football game at Harnett Central High School in North Carolina.
Then-principal Cindy Gordon asked the student to remove the jersey which sparked complaints from spectators.
Collins’ son removed the jersey and then went home from the game. Collins says that his son was “humiliated” by the experience which is why he left after the incident.
“We don’t want any kids violated,” Collins said. “We don’t want to see kids embarrassed over something like this. He was not disrespectful. He was not acting in a manner that would cause attention to him.”
Gordon was removed from her position as principal and the school district issued a statement on the matter.
“Again, we want to emphasize that Harnett County Schools supports and affirms students’ rights to express themselves – including wearing clothing expressing political messages or supporting political candidates or officeholders – in ways that are not expected to disrupt school or school events,” the statement read, via the Daily Mail.