What a way to discourage free speech and the freedom to support whomever you please! A group of North Carolina cheerleaders were placed on probation by local education officials for posing with a “Trump 2020” banner. The students were encouraged to wear red, white, and blue and to show their patriotic pride at a football game. The photo of the cheerleaders was posted on social media and “caused people to feel uncomfortable.”

Todd Starnes has the commentary:

It’s not quite clear who complained about that banner, but all you-know-what broke out – leading to a school district investigation as well as a NCHSAA investigation.

“Stanly County Schools never makes political campaign endorsements,” the school district said in a statement on its website. “These policies ensure that all students, staff and visitors are able to attend school events in an environment that promotes students and not a particular political viewpoint.”

The Stanly News & Press reports the cheerleaders have been placed on probation for the remainder of the season as a result of the pro-Trump banner.

“One of the rules we have is that every contest should be conducted in a wholesome, athletic environment,” North Carolina High School Athletic Association Commissioner Que Tucker told the newspaper. “We take that to mean that it’s in an environment where good sportsmanship is shown, where people feel safe … that respect for all people participating is being shown.”

…

“Not sure when supporting the acting POTUS became a punishable offense,” one irate resident wrote on Facebook. “Do Americans have freedom of speech anymore? Of course! But only if you are liberal.”

I reached out to the NCHSAA to find out why the cheerleaders were put on probation. I wanted them to show me the rule they allegedly violated. Their media relations team refused my request.

Would the same standards be held if the cheerleaders were with an anti-Trump banner? It seems to us that this isn’t about a violation of county school policies regarding political endorsement but more about supporting one candidate in particular.