Oregon eighth-grader suspended for inappropriate outfit is standing by his right to honor the troops serving the U.S.
Alan Holmes is an eighth grade student at Dexter McCarty Middle School in Gresham, Oregon.
Oregon eighth-grader suspended for inappropriate outfit is standing by his right to honor the troops serving the U.S.
Alan Holmes is an eighth grade student at Dexter McCarty Middle School in Gresham, Oregon. When he showed up in class with a T-shirt proudly depicting the boots, helmet and gun of a soldier and inscripted with the message “standing for those who stood for us”, he faced two options.
One of them was removing the piece of clothing. The second was being suspended for wearing an inappropriate outfit for a school setting. Alan chose to be suspended. In an interview with FoxNews affiliate KPTV he stated:
“If they won’t let me wear a shirt that supports the people that keep us free, I’m not going to support them”.
According to one declaration coming from the Dexter McCarty Middle School officials, Alan’s T-shirt was inappropriate as the gun depicted in the image incites to gun violence. Of course, there is a thin line between inciting to gun violence and showing support for U.S. troops, which makes the issue controversial. Particularly against the recent background of the Oregon school shooting that took the lives of 10 and severely injured another nine, the Gresham middle school’s stance is somewhat understandable.
However, Alan and his family disagree. The Oregon eighth-grader suspended for inappropriate outfit is wearing the said shirt in support of his brother, an active Marine. At the same time, he believes it is a sign of support and respect for all U.S. troops. The feeling of pride he has when he thinks of his brother is inspiring. Alan’s father agrees:
“I would have done the same”.
The eighth-grader is suspended from school. However, there is no reprimand at home. His views are fully shared by his family. While the school is right in prohibiting any materials or outfits that promote gun violence, drug abuse, violence or discrimination, the family believes Alan’s suspension was one step too far.
The gun depicted on the shirt is a symbol of the U.S. troops. The entire image is a common battlefield cross the purpose of which is to pay tribute and honor. Alan is suspended for an indefinite amount of time. Nonetheless, he plans to spend his time doing an excellent research project to better understand the fallen soldier memorial.
Photo Credits: nydailynews.com
