(Texas Scorecard) – After a parent in Magnolia Independent School District raised alarms over the district’s denial of patriotic themes for football games this fall, the district is reportedly hosting a USA-themed night after all.
Katie Cooper posted to Facebook Thursday that when her daughter and others in the senior class proposed themes like USA, Texas, and the Olympics for football games this season, Magnolia High School administrators told them those themes would not be allowed because they are “too political.”
Cooper wrote, “Sad that USA is politically leaning. No matter what a persons politics are in our country, they should be patriotic. Is patriotism now only inclusive of the right? That’s not ok.”
The students reportedly tried to reframe a pro-America theme various times to not just USA, but also All-American, as well as Red, White, and Blue—yet each was denied.
Texas Scorecard reached out to Magnolia ISD Friday, regarding whether the district has any policy against patriotic-related themes.
Chief Communications Officer Denise Meyers told Texas Scorecard, “The district encourages student organizations to have such themes for events. The community homecoming parade on September 11th will celebrate Patriot’s Day, and one of the October home football games will have a USA theme.”
Texas Scorecard responded by asking when the themes were finalized and if district administrators had ever told students that their theme ideas were “too political.”
Meyers did not respond.
Cooper posted an update on Friday afternoon, explaining that after speaking with the principal, the district is allowing a USA-themed night.
“He explained their concerns with it and I understood their concerns, however, I also understand our kids desires to be patriotic,” wrote Cooper.
“I’m proud that my daughter & her friends were outspoken regarding this issue,” added Cooper. “It’s sad that we find ourselves at a time when [red, white, and blue] are so political and that is not the admins fault, they are just tasked to keep kids safe and sadly politics can bring unsafe conditions.”