Keller ISD board president Charles Randklev defended two seniors’ decision to paint pro-Trump parking spaces, arguing that the paintings were not offensive.
Keller ISD seniors can reserve a parking space for $200, which they are allowed to paint for the upcoming school year, reported WFAA.
Two seniors at Keller High School decided to paint pro-Trump images on their parking spaces. One space portrayed the former president wearing American flag-themed sunglasses and a bandana, while the other displayed the number 45/47, alluding to a Trump victory this November, reported WFAA.
School administrators deemed the paintings inappropriate and a disturbance to the learning environment.
“We can confirm that there were a few spots that had to be repainted because they included content that had the potential to cause unnecessary distractions to the learning environment. Every year, a few students will attempt to include a political message, controversial statement, or inappropriate words or images in their parking spot painting. When that occurs, campus administrators allow them to repaint their space,” school administrators said in a statement to WFAA.
The painting with Trump’s mural was painted over, reported WFAA.
Local leaders have reacted to the administrators’ decision, with some viewing it as a restriction of the students’ right to free speech.
“It is not surprising that an ISD would do this given that they are almost all infested with communist-sympathizing administrators and teachers. They don’t even hide it anymore. It’s time we dramatically overhaul these institutions from top to bottom and hold people accountable,” Tarrant County Republican Chairman Bo French told The Dallas Express.
In a statement posted on Facebook, Keller ISD board president Charles Randklev said the paintings were not offensive and that the board would take action on the matter.
“You may have heard about a parking lot controversy at Keller High School where students were required to paint over the parking spots in the attached photo. Let me be clear. There is nothing offensive or controversial about respectfully painting or honoring a current or former President for the United States of America. We will take action and make it clear that the students can honor President Trump as the 45th, and soon-to-be 47th President of the United States, as they wish,” Randklev posted on Facebook.
DX reached out to Keller ISD’s communication office for comment but did not receive a response by publication.