A federal circuit court held that a Texas high school could ban clothing displaying the Confederate flag given a history of racial violence and discord in the school, over 50 incidents since 2002. -DB
By Annie Youderian
(CN) – Citing a history of racial tension, the 5th Circuit upheld a high-school dress code in Texas barring students from displaying the Confederate flag.
School administrators told them to leave the purses in the office until school was out, but the girls chose to go home rather than comply with the demand.
They filed suit, claiming the ban violated their First and 14th Amendment rights.
“[T]he racial tension and hostility at the school justified defendants’ ban on visible displays of the Confederate flag in this case,” Judge Dennis wrote.
The judge added that the state has a legitimate interest in maintaining discipline and order in public schools.
Copyright 2009 Courthouse News Service