Don't Tread On Jaiden
How "Educators" at the Vanguard School in Colorado Springs, CO abused their power
In a startling incident that raises fresh concerns about the erosion of our First Amendment liberties, a Colorado Springs middle school student found himself at the center of a controversy after being reprimanded for proudly displaying the historic "Gadsden Flag" on his backpack. This emblem, featuring a coiled rattlesnake and the timeless mantra "Don’t tread on me," has apparently become a lightning rod for debate within the walls of education.
The Gadsden Flag, a symbol etched with the spirit of defiance against oppressive rule, is recognized across the nation. Yet, remarkably, it was this emblem of patriotism that a 12-year-old named Jaiden dared to sport, only to be ousted from his classroom. Astonishingly, educators at the Colorado charter school justified their actions by claiming the patch was "disruptive to the classroom environment" and even had "origins with slavery." An assertion that is easily debunked by historical fact.
Fanning the flames of controversy, the educators' claims that the Gadsden Flag is entangled with slavery are blatantly untrue. The flag owes its name to Christopher Gadsden, an important figure during the American Revolution and a staunch advocate for liberty. Conceived in 1775, this emblem was designed to serve as a potent warning to the British Crown, signaling a steadfast resolve among Americans to guard their freedoms, including the right to say what they want. Rather than being an emblem of subjugation, it emerged as a symbol of resilience against tyranny.
In a now viral video capturing the incident, Jaiden's mother calmly shared the true origins of the Gadsden Flag. The so-called educator’s curt response was that she had no choice but to enforce the policies of the school district. Yet, upon scrutiny of this policy, readily available for public scrutiny, no substantiated grounds exist for the forced removal of the flag patch. Ironically, the flag epitomizes the very ideals of freedom that educators should be nurturing.
This alarming incident stands as an example of a much larger and concerning trend—a trend where schools wield arbitrary policies as tools to enforce partisan agendas and stifle the voices of more right-leaning students.
The root issue with the Gadsden Flag seems to be its resonance with individuals who embrace conservative and constitutional values. It has become a touchstone for those who celebrate the United States while harboring skepticism towards authoritarian doctrines. The flag's essence lies not in advocating violence, but in standing up for the right to safeguard personal convictions.
Kudos to the young and steadfast Jaiden, whose courage echoes the spirit of free speech that underpins our democracy. This episode should serve as a clear call for a renewed commitment to safeguarding the liberties enshrined in the First Amendment, lest our nation's schools inadvertently become breeding grounds for the erosion of the very freedoms they were designed to protect.
If you would like to send an email to The Vanguard Secondary School where this incident occured, you may contact: Renee.Henslee@thevanguardschool.com