EASTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) – Easthampton High School has banned the Confederate flag from campus.
The school committee voted Tuesday night to ban the Confederate flag, unless it’s part of a history lesson.
Last week, a student wore a Confederate flag sweatshirt to school. On Monday, students and parents peacefully protested outside the high school about the incident.
22News asked Northampton Attorney James Winston if the ban violates a student’s First Amendment rights. He says the school is allowed to ban certain items from campus if they cause a disruption or physical violence.
“If it’s protected, it’s going to be protected, and if it rises to the level of causing, or may cause some disruption, then the school can step in,” Winston said.
Winston says this rule also applies to any graphics or slogans a school may find disruptive.
The school committee will enforce this ban through the rest of the school year. They plan on meeting again in the summer to discuss how the issue will be dealt with for the next academic year.
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