After high school students began
Vista Del Lago High School in Folsom, California, recently sparked controversy by asking students to refrain from chanting “USA” during sporting events and rallies.
Traditionally, students chanted “USA” to show pride at games and rallies. However, school officials have now requested that students stop this practice, as it could be perceived as intolerant. Senior Ryan Bernal expressed his confusion, saying, “I wasn’t angry, but I was definitely like, ‘Why can’t we chant USA?’ To say USA, you know, we’re all the same. We’re all American. It doesn’t matter what your skin tone is or where you’re from.”
The topic was brought to students’ attention during a leadership class. Daniel Thigpen, the Folsom Cordova Unified Communications Director, explained, “To practice empathy, to practice kindness and to practice patriotism. You can do both.”
KOVR reported that in some schools across the country, the “USA” chant has been used in a derogatory manner toward people of different ethnicities. Mike Garrison of the California Interscholastic Federation commented, “There’s a time and a place to yell that and cheer that.”
The discussion at Vista Del Lago High School highlights the complexity of balancing national pride with sensitivity and inclusivity. 🌟🗽
