In a concerning incident involving freedom of expression in schools, a high school senior in Baltimore County, Maryland, has been suspended after advocating for the display of American flags in his classrooms. This situation brings to light the broader issues of patriotism and individual rights within our education system.
Parker Jensen, 18, who is set to enlist in the Marine Corps, noticed that two of his classrooms at Towson High School did not have the American flag displayed, despite Maryland law requiring them in all public school classrooms. In an effort to address this oversight, Jensen first approached his school’s assistant principal in February. When his concerns went unacknowledged, he escalated the issue to the Baltimore Board of Education in late March.
Jensen’s legal representative, Sarah Spitalnick, shared that Jensen initially believed the situation could be resolved amicably. However, he was faced with unexpected consequences when the school administration reacted by suspending him, which has significantly affected his senior year experience. Jensen reported that he is currently barred from attending the prom and feels alienated by some of his teachers, which could impact his grades and graduation prospects.
In a statement, Jensen expressed mixed feelings about his experience. While he faced a suspension and claims of personal defamation by the school administration, he also feels that his efforts to advocate for patriotism may have opened eyes to its significance within the school community. Jensen emphasized that he believes it is the duty of citizens to hold government entities accountable, and he took action to fulfill this responsibility.
After his attempts to communicate with school officials did not yield any results, Jensen formally filed a complaint with the Baltimore Board of Education on March 28. During this visit, he recorded his interactions, as is his right in a public building. However, school officials accused him of recording unlawfully and asked him to leave, leading to the involvement of local police who claimed that only licensed journalists could capture video in the school board’s facility.
The situation escalated quickly, resulting in Jensen being forcibly removed by officers despite no signs indicating he was acting disruptively or inappropriately. He questioned the resources spent on his removal, far surpassing what seemed reasonable for a student seeking to assert his rights within a public space.
Following this incident, the principal of Towson High School characterized Jensen’s behavior as “unhinged” and “disrespectful,” stating he would be arrested and suspended. The Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) then prohibited him from entering all BCPS central office properties, citing his supposed “threatening behavior.” Notably, Jensen was not given a hearing or a chance to contest the suspension before it was imposed.
The lawsuit filed by Jensen claims that his rights under the First and Fourteenth Amendments have been violated. His complaint further points out that while his inquiries about displaying American flags in the classroom were met with hostility, the school had no issues promoting other political expressions, such as LGBTQ pride symbols and immigration support materials.
Jensen asserts that the actions taken against him reveal a disparity in how the school accommodates various political viewpoints. He argues that his punishment stems from his support of the military, a secure border, and his defense of traditional values associated with former President Donald Trump and entrepreneur Elon Musk. The lawsuit claims a clear bias in favor of left-leaning political expressions, suggesting that conservative students face repercussions for their beliefs.
This incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle over free expression in American schools. It underscores the need for educational institutions to promote an environment where all students can voice their opinions, regardless of their political affiliations. The outcome of Jensen’s lawsuit could set a significant precedent for how schools across the country handle similar situations in the future.
