Can schools legally force me to take off swastikas or Satanic symbols?

I do not believe in the ideals of Nazis or devil worshipers, but free speech is extremely important to me. There are multiple messages I would like to show my peers, and shirts seem a good way of doing it. What I want to know is: Legally, can schools force me to remove/cover these symbols if I have them showing on clothing? Almost every symbol that holds significant meaning to us used to have a different meaning. Swastikas are ancient symbols frequently seen throughout Asian culture, primarily Indian. In fact, the symbol has held the meaning "good" for centuries, if not millenniums. Satanic symbols were once pagan, and even Satan can be interpreted as a great being in some religions (not devil worshipping). I am a very calm, self-aware person, so it would be easy to not cause a distraction in class.

Two rights, right to religion and right to free speech. By the way, I live in a progressive public school near Seattle, so equality and rights are pretty important. And I don't give a **** about what you people believe in after death, I just want to know my rights.

2013-04-01T21:59:40Z

Most of you are the reason I want to do this. I don't care if it offends people. I am constantly made fun of because of my red hair, and I think people have a right to do that. Is it wrong? Sure, maybe to some. But that the isn't point.

People should be able to express their opinion without being oppressed.

Oh, and "progressive" means to work towards progress, contradicting the idea of setting rules in stone. Which is what my school district tries to work towards. Idiot.

When we stop oppression, acceptance comes after. The more that is accepted, the less people fight.

For the people that answered, thank you.

RiceDealer992013-04-01T21:40:06Z

Favorite Answer

Sadly, schools can take away many of your rights. Just like how they can search your locker because they dont view us as full fledge citizens. They think if it can hurt other students. If you care that much though tell this all to your principle and try to make a change

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Patrick B2013-04-02T05:49:29Z

You're not trying to enlighten people, you're trying to show that you can be the "edgy" kid.

You did a wikipedia search on the swastika, found out it wasn't just used by the Nazi's and now you're trying to use that to throw it in the face of the administration. Yes once upon a time it meant something different. However it now is associated with the Nazi's and you know that.

The school will be well within their right to ban you from wearing anything that could be considered disruptive, which these symbols will be.

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?2013-04-01T21:43:57Z

You're thinking only of yourself. How do you think it feels to be Jewish or black and see somebody walking around with a swastika on their shirt? You're not the only one with rights. Other people have the right to live their lives and go to school feeling safe and secure while not being exposed to bigotry and hate speech. That is why it is not only legal for a school to prohibit you from wearing it, but drawing or displaying a swastika is in fact against the law. Your rights end when they start to infringe upon the rights of others. Yes, I know that the swastika was not always a symbol of hate. But thanks to Adolf Hitler, it is now. That's just how it is.

Satanic symbols are a different story. Not against the law or anything but yes, even a public school shouldn't have much trouble justifying a policy against displaying them. Keep in mind that you are not an adult and you are not inside your home. You are inside a school, and the people who run that school have a lot of authority over you, especially considering that the school acts as a sort of guardian for students while they are in school and the safety of students is considered the school's responsibility.

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Stiobhan2013-04-02T14:34:33Z

While on school grounds, you must abide by there rules, just as you must abide by your parents rules in there house.

Until you are an adult supporting yourself, the majority of your rights are those the adults choose to give you, or feel that you have earned.

The right to express yourself is something that should be earned, usually by demonstrating that you can do so in a responsible and respectful manner.

People feeling that they can say and do whatever they wish is one of the biggest problems with our culture at this point.

Don't get me wrong, the idea and reasons behind freedom of speech is an honorable one.
However in usual human fashion, we have taken it way to far, and gone overboard to the point that a positive thing has become a negative thing.

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Nuff Sed2013-04-02T10:13:20Z

You do not belong in a public school if you actually believe any school has an obligation to let you "express yourself" in ways that might bother anyone else.

Talk to your guidance counselors about places or solutions that might be more appropriate for you before you find your choices being limited for you (e.g., you end up living "downtown" at Juvie, until you turn 18).

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