Chanting "USA" is a popular way to for students to show pride during sporting events and rallies, but school and district officials are now warning students to stop saying the “intolerant and offensive” phrase. However, as soon as they read the note, the students responded in a way that would shock school officials and immediately had them backtracking.

When students joined together to chant “USA” at Vista Del Lago High School in Folsom, California, school officials didn’t see it as a uniting display of patriotism but an “intolerant and offensive” attack on those who might despise our nation and its values. Even though there had never been even one complaint about the chant, the California school immediately went into politically-correct mode, cracking down on the teens for simply uttering their country’s name, according to WJZ.

“There’s a time and a place to yell that and cheer that,” said CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Commissioner Mike Garrison.

The school’s principal sent out an email to families Wednesday and relayed the same message to students over the school’s P.A. system. 

While the school district was counting on the chance that students wouldn’t know their rights, the America loving teens quickly surprised them with their patriotic response.

CBS 13 reports that school officials were forced to backtrack their initial warning after students and parents joined together to contest the decision, prompting staff to announce that there’s no ban on chanting “USA” at school events. Students voiced their opposition to the district, reiterating their First Amendment right to free speech and reminding officials that if they attempt to stifle their constitutional liberties, they’ll take appropriate measures. Additionally, students promised school officials that there will likely be even more chanting at this Friday’s football game, clarifying that the theme is “USA pride.”

Vista Del Lago High School senior Ryan Bernal (pictured) led students and parents in a revolt against school officials, vowing to continue chanting “USA” to show their patriotism. (Photo credit: Screenshot/CBS 13)

“I wasn’t angry, but I was definitely like, ‘Why can’t we chant USA?’” said senior Ryan Bernal, “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.”

Mother Natalie Woodbury said, “I want to chant USA because I want us to pull together and help, not because I want anybody to feel left out or not a part of our country. ”

“I’m glad that they will still allow our students to cheer for our country,” said Mother Cody Santero. “We’re all one. We all stand as one together,” she said.

The school’s principal commented on a phone interview that while the school can’t officially ban the chant, she still hopes that students will choose not to say it. “We can communicate an unintended message,” she said and suggested that students should only express such patriotism following the National Anthem or Pledge of Allegiance.

Folsom Cordova Unified Communications Director Daniel Thigpen supported the school’s request, insinuating that chanting “USA” is patriotic but not kind.

California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) San-Joaquin Section Commission Mike Garrison, who oversees high school athletics, also expressed concern for the minority’s feelings, arguing that “there’s a time and a place to yell that and cheer that.”

What are your thoughts on this?  Do you agree with the students and parents or the school staff?  Let us know in the Facebook comments.

source: CBS Local