Students from Our Lady of the Rosary High School attending the National March for Life were kicked out of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum for wearing hats with pro-life messages on them. Security guards claimed to the students that the museum was a ‘neutral zone’ and they were required to either take the hats off or leave the premises. In response to this expulsion, the student’s parents are filing a lawsuit with the American Center for Law & Justice.
As the students entered the museum, staff reportedly mocked the students and hurled expletives at them. The museum staff wanted to refrain from allowing controversial opinions to appear inside. However, according to the students, the hats were used as identifiers. The group was so large that the hats were a necessary precaution against getting lost. Despite this reasoning, the students were still instructed to leave the museum.
Parents of the turned away students are issuing a lawsuit against the Smithsonian. They are claiming that the children’s first amendment right to freedom of speech was violated. While the Smithsonian is not officially a government entity, the museums were founded by the government and receive around $1 billion dollars from the federal government each fiscal year. Parents are outraged that these children’s peaceful display of beliefs were violated. Nora Luz Kriegel, an Our Lady of the Rosary parent, argues how these “children were standing up for the most innocent human life” and “deserve to be treated with respect.”
In the face of an impending lawsuit, Smithsonian leadership is not affiliating themselves with the actions of staff. A museum spokesperson, Allison Wood, stated that “asking visitors to remove hats and clothing is not in keeping with our policy or protocols.” Nevertheless, the pro-life parents will continue with the help of the American Center for Law & Justice to fight what they interpret as censorship.
Kendini Yeni Bir PUFF Bar ile Ödüllendir!
Beware of the Chineese man singing tunes.
So completely stupid and inexcusable on the part of staff. they should be relieved of their jobs and someone that wants them should replace them.
I was at the Smithsonian years ago but had on my PRO LIFE cap that I wore a lot because I was on the Board of Dir. of a Pregnancy Center. Nothing said at that time. They should be sueeeeed for a lot. I am also a retired LtCol USMC pilot. I really enjoyed the tour.
I stopped subscribing from them as the direction they were taking became political.
One single instance of anyone else wearing an article of clothing endorsing any left wing cause and NOT being kicked out will be more than enough to win this suit. OTOH not too many lefties tend to visit museums.
Thanks for continuing to stand up for our freedom of speech! and all our freedoms….
I was a kid once upon a time, though it was a very long time ago. That said, I cannot help but wonder as to exactly what, more likely who is using these “children” to push a political, agenda. Anyone have any ideas?
Guess they don’t know what “NEUTRAL” means or they are just trying to thumb their nose at a legit policy.
This will go on until they know they cannot get away with it but soon, we will no longer be able to respond as our liberties disappear like last winter’s snow. I would up the charge to premeditated intent to harm as the hats were a “safety” matter. Forget the damned First Amendment, the whole Constitution is useless. Make it into an attack on the students’ safety.