A high school in Massachusetts informed students that they could not participate in a celebration called “USA Day” due to concerns about potential offense. In response, the students at Wellesley High School decided to proceed with their patriotic celebration despite the objections from administrators and teachers. According to student Olivia Spagnuolo, the “USA Day” theme was promptly shut down by school officials.
“The administration was not going to let this happen,” said Spagnuolo. “It wasn’t a topic for discussion. They said it was not allowed because it separated people at the school.”
The Principal later admitted that he banned students from cheering on America.
“The high school administration decided not to go forward with that spirit theme because it felt really different than the other themes kids came up with for the week. We felt that the topic has been politicized beyond our school and we wanted to avoid politics,” he wrote in a letter to parents.
“Spirit Week is intended to be a light and fun way for our students to get excited about our pep rally and Thanksgiving Day football game,” he said. “We acknowledge that the impact for some people has been just the opposite of our intention and that we have inadvertently politicized this activity. I am definitely sorry for any negative effect this has had on kids and families.”
The residents were absolutely furious:
“I’ve said it a million times but will say it again, the school system needs to be completely dismantled and rebuilt! Absolutely disgusting,” one outraged resident said on social media.
“It’s the United States of America and the students live here! If someone is offended they should leave because if you do not respect the country you live in, you don’t deserve it,” another resident said. “It’s time to fire all administrators who allowed this.”
