BLOOMINGTON HIGH SCHOOL NORTH

ADMINISTRATION

HOME OF THE COUGARS

Mr. Jeffry M. Henderson, Principal

Ms. Betty Anderson, Asst. Principal, Students A K

3901 N Kinser Pike Bloomington, IN 47404

P: (812) 330-7724
F: (812) 330-7805
www.mccsc.edu/north

Mr. Marcus Debro, Asst. Principal, Students L Z

Mr. D. Tim Hudson, Asst. Principal, Data Analysis & Tutorial
Dr. Andrea Mobley, Asst. Principal, Curriculum & Evaluation
Mr. Andrew Hodson, Athletic Director

October 26, 2016

Dear Parent/Guardian,
The safety and wellbeing of all of our students is always at the forefront of everything we do as a school.
Recently, a few students have chosen to wear confederate flags draped over their backs like a cape. This has
caused several of our students to feel unsafe.
As an educational institution, one of the things we focus on is teaching tolerance for opposing points of view
and civil discourse surrounding controversial issues. Balancing the first amendment rights of all individuals in a
democracy can be a challenging task. Doing that with teenagers, can prove to be even more challenging.
The Supreme Court Case Tinker vs. Des Moines established the litmus test when schools have the right to
limit students expression. That case established the standard that when students actions cause substantial
disruption to the educational environment, the school can intervene and limit the students expression.
Throughout the day, this issue has evolved into one that has created a substantial disruption to the educational
environment. As a result, students may no longer wear or display images of the confederate flag on their
clothing or any other personal item while at school or a school-sponsored event or function due to the
disruption it has created.
Please discuss this with your student and ensure that they understand that they are not to wear or display the
confederate flag on any item.
Thank you in advance for helping us ensure that Bloomington North is a safe and respectful learning
environment.
Your Partner in Education,

Jeffry M. Henderson
Principal