Epping Student Told Not To Wear Trump T-Shirt

EPPING, NH — The American Civil Liberties Union of New Hampshire has made a public records request regarding Epping School District's speech policies after Monday's incident at Epping High School, where a freshman was told not to wear a "Make America Great Again" T-shirt supporting President Donald Trump.

The student, 14-year-old Ciretta MacKenzie, told the New Hampshire Union Leader that she wore the T-shirt as part of the school's America Day, in which participants wear red, white and blue. She said she was called to the principal's office because of the T-shirt, and Principal Brian Ernest told her that she needed to find something else to wear, the newspaper reported.

Superintendent Valerie McKenney told the Union Leader that she is investigating the incident as a personnel matter.The ACLU released a statement on the incident, stating the organization has submitted a public records request to learn more information about the School District's speech policies.

"We are deeply concerned about the actions of Epping High School in censoring this peaceful political speech in support of the President," the ACLU stated. "T-shirts — as well as hats, buttons, and other wearable items — are a common way for students to express their views on everything from political races to social issues. Unfortunately, schools have a long history of trying to censor this form of peaceful expression. Public schools should create an environment where the free exchange of ideas is fostered, not silenced."