Protect free speech for our children.

I generally believe in staying out of an educator's way while executing their duties, but sadly our nation's culture remains under attack when our citizens seek to raise or salute our flag. Our American flag is not a partisan political statement, but rather a statement of national pride for all Americans to unite under.

When two Midwestern teenagers were punished for flying flags in support of first responders on September 11th, I felt it worthy of contributing support for them, and more importantly for shifting what has become a negative culture within our schools.

[See related news: https://www.fox19.com/2020/09/14/football-players-suspended-after-being-told-not-carry-thin-blue-line-thin-red-line-flags-onto-field/ ]

Here is my opinion, in support of our first responders, stated as respectfully as I could muster. I also desire to support our educators. What's your opinion? Is our nation headed in the right direction in creating the future we want for our children?

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Dear Mr. Power:

Surely you understand the concept of service, being that you have chosen to spend your life's profession in education, which is among the most admirable and valuable roles that one can spend in service to our future generations.

As a Superintendent, you answer to no one higher when you set forth the rules for our younger generations to follow. With such great power and privilege, our nation expects great responsibility in choosing wisely how you enforce your rules. Perhaps someone with your last name ought to know this maxim better than anyone.

As a Marine Corps Officer, prior deputy sheriff, prior hospital chaplain, and business owner in the Midwest, I'm saddened that you initially felt it wise to penalize the free speech of our fellow citizens, no matter their age. And while I believe it is positive to hear that you and your school board have reinstated the enrollment of these teenagers, Brady Williams and Jarad Bentley (the sons of first responders), I am concerned that your initial actions indicate a culture in our public education system that is hostile to the very values set forth by our nation's forefathers and warfighters.

It is my strong well-informed opinion, supported by raising my right hand to protect and defend our constitution and our citizens, that penalizing multiple teenagers because they marched a U.S. flag onto a football field in support of our nation's first responders (especially those who have served and given their lives on September 11, 2001) is the antithesis of what we should be encouraging in our citizens. Carrying a U.S. flag proudly anywhere in America is not an act that should ever require permission from an educator or an administrator.

There are not enough young people who know the value of raising or saluting a flag, nor the price paid in blood to keep America's flag raised around the world.

The responsibility of teaching this national pride and instilling the values of American patriotism falls squarely to educators and administrators like you before a young person can understand the other myriad ways they may be of service within their community. Imagine if your role as Superintendent was viewed as a source of inspiration, rather than confrontation; as a mentor rather than a master; as a beacon of pride rather than punishment. Imagine if your teachers, through your leadership, were viewed the same.

A child's pride and dedication to honor our fallen heroes, and honor those currently serving against great criticism for merely doing their jobs, should be commended, not punished.

If there was a flag to honor our teachers and their hard working staff who keep our schools clean, fed, and well-maintained, I would be proud to fly it. Surely you can find it in your heart and conscience to permit the same measure of gratitude to be exuded at any time, for any reason, in support of our first responders, veterans, and active duty military.

Would a teacher or an administrator or a staff member find it offensive if someone tried to thank them or express support for them? I can imagine you would appreciate gratitude for doing your job to the best of your ability under harsh criticism as well. Thus I say to you, with honor due:

Thank you for doing your job to the very best of your ability.

I am also confident that you have the ability to do even better in the future. Our nation's children, including those you are responsible for guiding and inspiring, may even be willing to thank you for your efforts should you be willing to reflect, reorient, and recommit to improving their educational culture, too.

Very respectfully,

Prescott Paulin

President

300 Below, Inc.