Colton Southern (Photo : Facebook)
A 7th grade student at a Texas junior high school was informed by its officials that the Star Wars t-shirt he wore to class was banned because it contained the picture of a Storm Trooper holding a weapon/gun. The pupil was required to zip up his jacket to cover the image, because the school's dress code does not allow clothing with symbols related to violence. It raises issues about school policies and First Amendment rights.
Colton Southern wore the "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" merchandise to class on December 10, Thursday. He is a student at George Junior High School.
A school district spokesperson explained that Colton's t-shirt is prohibited by the school handbook's list of violations. The school's administrators claim they were indulgent. They could have required him to change shirts or serve in-school suspension.
Colton's father Joe made a Facebook post about his son's banned graphic tee, explaining that he had worn it to school many times before, according to New York Daily News. He also told KTRK, "It's just a Star Wars shirt."
Furthermore wearing t-shirts showing real weapons in K-12 schools is protected by the United States Constitution unless the clothing disrupts classes, according to The Washington Post. That is based on 2003 and 2007 Supreme Court rulings.
Joe Southern explained to reporters that his son is a Boy Scot and park volunteer, and is not violent. He is just excited about the new Star Wars movie.
"Star Wars: The Force Awakens" has a December 14, Monday Los Angeles premiere and will open in North American theaters on Friday. Experts project it could earn up to $2 billion.
Here's the Chinese trailer for the new Star Wars movie:
