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High School Quashes Student Plan To Wear Red, White, and Blue on 9/11

Washington's Eastlake High School says patriotic theme may 'unintentionally cause offense'

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September 13, 2021

Administrators at a Washington state high school canceled a student-led plan to wear red, white, and blue at a football game in commemoration of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Seattle radio host Jason Rantz reported Monday that Eastlake High School in Sammamish, Wash., squashed the plan, telling parents it may be racially insensitive.

"Our leadership teachers made this decision and explained it to students," Eastlake principal Chris Bede wrote to one concerned parent. "I know tomorrow is 9/11 and understand the sacrifice and values our flag represents, but I think they just did not want to unintentionally cause offense to some who see it differently."

The school did not respond to Rantz's requests for comment on who would take offense to the colors of the American flag.

Some Eastlake parents have speculated that the administrators who kiboshed the plan thought red, white, and blue clothing would offend the opposing school's football team, which is majority black.

Eastlake High School students, who were not yet born on Sept. 11, 2001, came up with the idea to wear patriotic clothing at the football game. Many are discouraged and disappointed by the school's decision.

"If Eastlake is all about including everyone's beliefs and being together as a 'family,' then why are we being told we can't represent the country we live in?" one student told Rantz.