Connecticut man, 68, arrested after complaining about anti-gay shirt

Wolcott Police

Derrell Rice, 68, was arrested after causing disturbances in two Connecticut schools to protest a decision to allow a student to wear a T-shirt with an anti-gay symbol.


Police have charged a 68-year-old Torrington man with breach of peace and criminal trespass after he caused disturbances at two schools to  complain about a decision to allow a student to wear a T-shirt with an anti-gay message to school, according to police.

Wolcott schools, under pressure from the American Civil Liberties Union of Connecticut, decided to allow a senior at Wolcott High School to wear a T-shirt with a slash through the rainbow after the ACLU threatened to sue.

Derrell Rice, 68, of Torrington, took issue with the decision, according to police, and went to the school to complain.

But, first he lodged the complaint in Plymouth.

Read more at NBCConnecticut.com

Rice, who school officials described as an elderly, well-dressed gentleman, drove to the Plymouth Center School on North Street on Wednesday morning and rang the buzzer to be let in, Plymouth police told Wolcott Police.

When school officials questioned him through the intercom, the man said he was there to register his granddaughter for school, so school staff met him at the door.

But, the man, later identified as Rice, began to express his displeasure with the school department allowing an anti-gay shirt to be allowed in school, according to police.

School officials told Rice that the shirt incident happened in Wolcott and not Plymouth.
They said Rice was upset, loud and causing annoyance and alarm, so the school officials called Plymouth Police and Rice drove away, according to police.

At 10 a.m., Wolcott Police received a call from the Plymouth Police about the incident, so they notified the Wolcott School Department to be on the look-out for Rice.

Soon after, Wolcott school officials called police and said a man who met Rice’s description was there and wanted to be let in. When police responded, they found Rice ringing the buzzer to be let in, police said.

When police asked Rice why he was there, he said he wanted to speak to the superintendent of schools because he did not agree with his allowing a shirt with an anti-gay message to be worn, according to police.

Supt. Joseph Macary met with Rice and told him he understood his concerns and that the decision to allow the shirt was based on the First Amendment, as well as school policy, police said.

Macary then told Rice that he is not allowed on any Wolcott School property and could leave because the conversation was over.

But Rice refused to leave and said he was going to the high school to tell everyone what was going on, police said.

Rice was charged with breach of peace and first-degree criminal trespass because he caused annoyance and alarm and refused to leave school, according to police.

Plymouth police also charged Rice with breach of peace.

Bond was set at $1,000.  

NBC Connecticut was not able to find a phone number for Rice.

Discuss this post

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Looks like early-onset Alzheimer's.

  • 3 votes
#1 - Wed Feb 27, 2013 5:28 PM EST

Or somebody who hates rainbows.

  • 1 vote
#1.1 - Wed Feb 27, 2013 5:30 PM EST

Hates rainbows? The gentleman that was arrested was protesting the school allowing an anti-gay shirt. I'm not saying that his behavior was appropriate, but he wasn't the (alleged) homophobe in question. I do, however, applaud the ACLU for sticking up for civil rights, even if that right is used to send an anti-gay message. That is the purpose of the ACLU; to defend our rights and fight anyone who would infringe on those rights, no matter how we choose to exercise them...

  • 23 votes
#1.2 - Wed Feb 27, 2013 6:05 PM EST

Early onset? He's 68. What's normal onset or late onset if 68 is early onset?

    #1.3 - Wed Feb 27, 2013 6:11 PM EST

    Yo mamma

    She may have indeed raised a fool, and it is certain that she raised someone with a piss poor sense of humor.

    • 8 votes
    #1.4 - Wed Feb 27, 2013 6:54 PM EST
    Comment author avatarGil-2872519Expand Comment Comment collapsed by the community

    The only reason NBC would want his phone number is so they could misquote him. Why else?

    • 3 votes
    #1.5 - Wed Feb 27, 2013 6:57 PM EST

    this would not have made the news if he went to complain about ALLOWING kids to wear that kind of t-shirt....that kind of situation probably happens once a month at any given school...slow news day

    • 5 votes
    #1.6 - Wed Feb 27, 2013 7:26 PM EST

    I hope he does not come back armed to the teeth to further 'express his views' after he posts bond.

      #1.7 - Wed Feb 27, 2013 9:27 PM EST

      Got to wonder if he was the model for the old pedophile dude in the show Family Guy. Does he whistle when he talks?

      • 5 votes
      #1.8 - Thu Feb 28, 2013 3:45 AM EST

      The freedom of speech cuts both ways. The shirt is a way of expressing one's belief, and so long as it isn't hinting a violence (such as a swastika or if the rainbow had a bullseye target on it), it should be allowed. I'm a "right-winger" that is happy to see the ACLU stand up for the teen involved. I personally support the ACLU because of this and other defenses of individual rights. I support Rice's too, but he doesn't have the right to interrupt or interfere with normal business within a school. Stand on the street and picket, and I'd support him, or at least support his right to picket/protest.

      • 6 votes
      #1.9 - Thu Feb 28, 2013 8:44 AM EST

      @ Bob in LG

      You can have Alzheimers in your 50's. I worked with a woman whos mother died at the age og 56.

        #1.10 - Thu Feb 28, 2013 9:17 AM EST

        dave:

        Got to wonder if he was the model for the old pedophile dude in the show Family Guy.

        What in the world does pedophilia have to do with being gay? I hope you're not implying that to be a pedophile one must be.

        • 2 votes
        #1.11 - Thu Feb 28, 2013 10:14 AM EST

        As a gay, Atheist, liberal, left-winger, I applaud the ACLU for protecting the homophobic kid's right to wear that T-shirt. I, as a gay, Atheist, liberal, left-winger, solidly support the Constitutional right of freedom of speech. We're Americans, not Canadians or many Europeans who do not support free speech - that makes us better than them. As Americans, we support the absolute human rights of everyone, including minorities even if that minority consists of only one. Equality and respect for all is not achieved by trampling on the rights of a few. Canadians and many Europeans don't know that - when hate-speech is silenced under the guise of equality and respect, no one is equal or respected, only a select several.

        Now, I hope that a myriad of teens in that school start to wear T-shirts showing a cross with a slash through it.

        • 5 votes
        #1.12 - Thu Feb 28, 2013 7:25 PM EST

        Jerry, I don't know if that is sarcasm or not, but if not, you apparently know nothing about Canadians or Europeans.

        • 3 votes
        #1.13 - Fri Mar 1, 2013 8:31 AM EST
        Comment author avatarJohn Bryantvia Facebook

        Remember this about free speech when a kid shows up with a shirt that shows an assault weapon with a slash through it.

          #1.14 - Fri Mar 8, 2013 11:56 AM EST

          I'd be afraid of using a closet in a Connecticut school.

            #1.15 - Fri Mar 8, 2013 7:22 PM EST

            Jerry- that'd just mean they're Bad Religion fans.

            Which I approve of even more.

              #1.16 - Sun Mar 10, 2013 11:47 AM EDT

              Oh that horrible leftist, communist, socialist American Civil liberties Union forcing their gay agenda down the throats of christian Americans......Oh wait.......never mind.

              • 2 votes
              #1.17 - Sun Mar 10, 2013 10:53 PM EDT

              I don't see the need to allow students that degree of free expression in schools, especially as t-shirts espousing political and social agendas can only detract from the primary purpose of school, which is learning.

              One wonders at what point the school would draw the line regarding t-shirt slogans, at anti-black, anti-muslim, and anti-semitic messages?

              That said, the Derrell Rice sounds as if he's a bit tweaked. I wouldn't assume he has dementia, but he definitely has mental issue.

              • 1 vote
              #1.18 - Mon Mar 11, 2013 8:13 AM EDT

              dman,

              Why does he have a mental issue? If he strongly believes in his view, he has a right to that opinion. He should have left when asked, but the arrest and charges were just BS and bogus. Shame on the Police, and I mean that sincerely. As long as the situation did no harm (Verbal) and they were able to get him to leave there sould be no charges. Oh by the way, belief in ones values is callled conviction and if it was practiced more we would not see such dissolution within our society.

                #1.19 - Mon Mar 11, 2013 12:56 PM EDT

                Why does he have a mental issue?

                Because he doesn't recognize boundaries, between his right to speak out, and the school's to bar disruptive influences on their property.

                If you want to protest my views on [pick one: gay rights, taxes, wearing stripes with plaid] that is your decision. If you do it in my back yard, I have an issue. If you do it on school property, where your presence is neither authorized, nor necessary to the education of the students, then society has an issue.

                As long as the situation did no harm (Verbal) and they were able to get him to leave there sould be no charges.

                That is precisely the point...

                But Rice refused to leave and said he was going to the high school to tell everyone what was going on, police said.

                ...he refused to leave when asked to do so.

                I cannot prove it, but I suspect he does not have both oars in the water.

                  #1.20 - Mon Mar 11, 2013 5:08 PM EDT
                  Reply

                  Throw the book at the old fart. People have a right to express themselves.

                  • 9 votes
                  #2 - Wed Feb 27, 2013 5:31 PM EST

                  Except evidently him.

                  • 15 votes
                  #2.1 - Wed Feb 27, 2013 5:57 PM EST

                  Expression is one thing; breaking the law during expression will land you in jail. As much as I may personally hate the idea of a shirt like that, the individual has the right to wear it if it's within dress code conduct.

                  Freedom of speech goes both ways.

                  • 16 votes
                  #2.2 - Wed Feb 27, 2013 6:00 PM EST

                  In response to Common Man -

                  SCREW YOU MORON! - NO SCHOOL IN THIS COUNTRY should be allowing that T-Shirt.

                  • 7 votes
                  #2.3 - Wed Feb 27, 2013 6:02 PM EST

                  Thank you edsfcal, we'll take your opinion that the first amendment doesn't matter under advisement, and get back with you if we decide to agree.

                  • 12 votes
                  #2.4 - Wed Feb 27, 2013 6:14 PM EST

                  So edsfcal, in your opinion the first amendment should only apply to those who agree with your opinions? How very repressive of you.

                  • 13 votes
                  #2.5 - Wed Feb 27, 2013 6:15 PM EST

                  The school where I taught and 90% of schools in the nation would not tolerate an anti-gay T-shirt.

                  • 8 votes
                  #2.6 - Wed Feb 27, 2013 6:55 PM EST

                  There are limits to free speech when it comes to schools. If a t-shirt like that is allowed under the first amendment, then what is to stop students from wearing t-shirts that advocate racism, that bash religion, that depict sexual acts, that have vulgar language on them? Shirts like that are not supposed to be worn in a school. He is free to wear it out in public or at home, but school grounds are off limits. The student also wore the t-shirt on the day of silence. He chose to mock gay students on a day that is about anti-bullying. This student is nothing but a bully who is using the constitution to try to oppress others. He should be ashamed of himself and so should the school for giving in to his bs.

                  As far as the old man goes, he has a right to express his opinion, but going to the schools was not the appropriate way to go about it. The schools have to protect the students and provide an environment conducive to learning. Having people walk in off the streets to protest interferes with the safety of the students and their ability to learn.

                  • 10 votes
                  #2.7 - Wed Feb 27, 2013 8:26 PM EST

                  Jon-2730330

                  Expression is one thing; breaking the law during expression will land you in jail.

                  Trespassing, maybe so. If "causing annoyance and alarm" is a jail-able offense, then every politician in the country should be behind bars.

                  • 12 votes
                  #2.8 - Wed Feb 27, 2013 8:41 PM EST

                  It's a hate speech shirt. Plain and simple.

                  • 9 votes
                  #2.9 - Wed Feb 27, 2013 9:51 PM EST

                  If the kid wore a shirt with the picture of a black man with a slash through it, would that be OK? Should the school allow that? How about a shirt with a slash through the Star of David? Or the American flag with a slash across it? Many of you who are defending this homophobic shirt I am sure would protest the last scenario on this list.

                  • 11 votes
                  #2.10 - Thu Feb 28, 2013 2:15 AM EST

                  Craigf1998 : You're not being Politically Correct; blacks are sick & tired of being grouped with gays.

                  • 3 votes
                  #2.11 - Thu Feb 28, 2013 4:43 AM EST

                  Not on school grounds when you are not a student. There is no excuse regardless of which side is was arguing for. This guy had no business on school grounds. He was tresspassing...END OF STORY!!

                  Sadly, I bet he gets more time in jail than an illegal gun-toter!!

                  • 2 votes
                  #2.12 - Thu Feb 28, 2013 7:34 AM EST

                  edsfcal

                  In response to Common Man -

                  SCREW YOU MORON! - NO SCHOOL IN THIS COUNTRY should be allowing that T-Shirt.

                  Yes, it should. I'm gay, Atheist and liberal and I believe in freedom of speech, even for that idiotic homophobic, bigoted kid. He has every right to wear it, just as any kid would have the right to come up to him and tell him he's an idiotic, homophobic bigot for wearing it.

                  • 2 votes
                  #2.13 - Thu Feb 28, 2013 7:35 PM EST

                  HomoPhob that is all gays answers to this type thing. Minorities use the same thing except they blame racism. God forbid that someone does not agree that a man should be sticking it in another guys Butt. As long as I do not say no you c an not have a house or apartment a loan and things like that all is fine. Those of us who believe in the bible and god do not have to approve or accept what they do. They like to say God is a forgiving and loving God and they are correct but you also have to be going by Gods Rules/Law and that is pretty hard to work around.

                  Do not have sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman; that is detestable. (Leviticus 18:22 NIV)

                  “‘If a man has sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They are to be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads. (Leviticus 20:13 NIV)

                  Now both of these are Old Testament but even under the new testament this is covered

                  Romans 1:26-27

                  Saint Paul writing his Epistles


                  For this reason [idolatry] God gave them up to passions of dishonor; for even their females exchanged the natural use for that which is contrary to nature, and likewise also the males, having left the natural use of the female, were inflamed by their lust for one another, males with males, committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the recompense which was fitting for their error.

                  Jude 1:7

                  King James Version: Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.

                  • 3 votes
                  #2.14 - Tue Mar 5, 2013 2:48 PM EST

                  Where can I get a shirt like that?

                  • 2 votes
                  #2.15 - Tue Mar 5, 2013 3:13 PM EST

                  Arizona Democrat, to express that at a school? Are you retarded? Evidently that guy is. Some random adult coming into a school and causing a ruckus is likely to catch a police bullet in the head. After the last round of crazies, I think the police are going to be a lot more "proactive". It's just like causing a commotion on a commercial airliner after 9/11... only really stupid people do it now.

                  • 1 vote
                  #2.16 - Tue Mar 5, 2013 3:14 PM EST

                  So are you saying before 9/11 one would only be partially stupid to cause a commotion on an airliner? Sorry, just poking fun.

                  But seriously, I won't be giving up my civil rights in the face of injustice because I might cause a "ruckus." From the article I don't know if the old man was right or wrong in his approach, but a lot of good people have been arrested for breaking the peace when what they were doing was practicing civil disobedience to effect justice. Yes, I'm aware of Columbine and everything else, but just the same, I'm bit dubious when someone goes off to jail because they caused alarm.

                  Personally, the shirt and wearing of it at school seems pretty benign. The old man felt differently.

                  • 2 votes
                  #2.17 - Fri Mar 8, 2013 8:02 PM EST

                  Larry,

                  I have to agree with you, this is nonsense arresting him for breach of peace and criminal trespass. It seems that people are forgetting that everyone has a right to vocalize their ideas or concerns with a policy or a law.

                  I think we have gone off the deep end here and are now arresting innocent civilians that just want to express their feelings. It is not an arrestable offense and the addidtional charges are bogus.

                  This has to stop before it becomes unlawful censorship.

                  John Wilson

                  Retired Police Chief

                    #2.18 - Mon Mar 11, 2013 12:51 PM EDT
                    Reply

                    Not sure why this story has achieved national prominence. The guy wasn't arrested because he opposes anti-gay T-shirts. He was arrested for fraudulently gaining access to school property, causing a commotion, and then refusing to leave. Next time, write a letter or go to a school board meeting. Don't try to force your way on campus during the school day! In the wake of Newtown, school staff are a bit sensitive to such things.

                    I personally like school uniforms. Pro-gay or anti-gay T-shirts really should not be part of the student's wardrobe. Focus on the three R's and leave the politics outside.

                    • 19 votes
                    Reply#3 - Wed Feb 27, 2013 5:39 PM EST

                    true

                    • 2 votes
                    #3.1 - Wed Feb 27, 2013 6:49 PM EST

                    School uniforms???? Get serious. If you like uniforms send your kid to private school ..... military school perhaps.

                    • 2 votes
                    #3.2 - Wed Feb 27, 2013 6:56 PM EST

                    My daughter goes to a public school. And wears a uniform. Every Friday they can wear a school "spirit" T-shirt. Hers is red with a Cougar on it, the school mascot.

                    School uniforms keep the focus on learning and off of apparel. Kids don't get teased or create distractions over what they wear because they all basically wear the same thing.

                    • 11 votes
                    #3.3 - Wed Feb 27, 2013 8:01 PM EST

                    Public schools should have a uniform dress code. That doesn't mean actual uniforms, but very clear cut rules about what is acceptable and what isn't. A list of acceptable solid colors. No logos, signs or any printed messages. No crotch cut or gang banger jeans.

                    The Supreme Court has sent some mixed messagen the matter but recently in 2010 refused to hear a case where a student objected to a limitation on what his tee shirt could say. They essentilly upheld the lower court's ruling that the school could restrict this. The best way is for the school boards to approve specific dress codes for students. That makes it clear what is acceptable and what isn't. It seems quite clear that this student was trying to create controversy and therefore was being disruptive.

                    We restrict a number of rights of children based upon their age. They are not adults. And until they are it is perfectly reasonable to have a dress code. This school apparently didn't have such an official restriction. Still, i believe they would have a strong case if sued.

                    • 3 votes
                    #3.4 - Wed Feb 27, 2013 10:49 PM EST

                    don97524, yes most public school now require uniforms. It has long been known for nearly 10 to 15 years that students were wearing inappropriate clothing to school. How peers dressed became a focus that was too difficult to ignore and less focus on their education. Kids in school uniforms tend to pay more attention to their lessons and less on who is wearing the latest fashion versus the kid whose clothes come from Goodwill, a young girl's revealing top, whose ass is showing or the offending t-shirt. All public school in my county (in NJ) wear uniforms and the kids have higher grades then prior years without uniforms.

                    • 4 votes
                    #3.5 - Thu Feb 28, 2013 7:43 AM EST

                    Interesting times. I don't recall the ACLU being involved when the American flag was banned on a T-shirt in the California school.

                    • 3 votes
                    #3.6 - Thu Feb 28, 2013 10:00 AM EST

                    Julieann... I agree. My kids had to wear uniforms too and I loved it. It cut down drastically on the expense of "school shopping" every year. No need to worry about "fads" and "status symbols" or kids being teased because their parent's can't afford to dress them like their peers. This is ESPECIALLY helpful in areas where there is a huge disparity in "class". Where we live there are many pockets of uber high class subdivisions. You're worried about keeping your kids dressed in the latest from PacSun, Forever 21 or what have you, then you've got kids that are lucky to have handmedowns or cloths from Goodwill and then you've got that clique of students who come to school in Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci and Chanel.

                    In most foreign countries all PUBLIC school children wear uniforms. I think it's the best policy ever. They are there to FOCUS on education and LEARN. The clothing issue is a HUGE distraction and can cause all kinds of problems with bullying, self esteem, ostracism, envy/jealousy etc.

                    • 1 vote
                    #3.7 - Thu Feb 28, 2013 10:08 AM EST

                    Julieann

                    don97524, yes most public school now require uniforms

                    Absolutely not true.

                    • 1 vote
                    #3.8 - Thu Feb 28, 2013 10:49 AM EST

                    I don't know about "most" schools, but where my kids go (in MA, 4th grade) there is no uniform, and if there is a dress code I haven't heard about it. I went to Catholic school and had to wear a uniform and I hated it. I am a big believer in self-expression, especially for children who are just coming into their own. The teachers and administrators at their school give both of my sons crap because they have long hair. One teacher told my son that if he didn't get a haircut she was going to put it in a scrunchie. I was raging and only didn't complain because my son begged me not to make trouble. (But he still won't cut his hair.)

                      #3.9 - Fri Mar 1, 2013 8:46 AM EST
                      Reply

                      Damn those ACLU libtards for stopping this wholesome kid from wearing his t-shirt.... oh wait.

                      • 3 votes
                      Reply#4 - Wed Feb 27, 2013 5:43 PM EST

                      .

                        #4.1 - Thu Feb 28, 2013 3:23 PM EST
                        Reply

                        ACLU

                        American Communist Liberal Union.

                        • 6 votes
                        Reply#5 - Wed Feb 27, 2013 5:43 PM EST

                        Defending this kid's right to wear an anti-gay shirt makes them "communists"?

                        • 12 votes
                        #5.1 - Wed Feb 27, 2013 5:46 PM EST

                        To idiots like Baylor apparently it does.

                        I've proudly been a member of the ACLU since I was 19,30 years now and counting. Sometimes that means standing up for the rights of expression to be guaranteed to people who are espousing things which I find reprehensible,but that's the very crux of the biscuit when it comes to being a citizen in a democracy.

                        As far as Mr. Rice goes,he has the right to express his displeasure with this decision and I agree with him in his dislike of the T-shirt,I find it offensive. But we have the right to express ourselves in a way that some find offensive in this great land,indeed to do so for causes and beliefs that some find offensive.

                        When Mr. Rice chooses to break the law however,then he should be prepared to face the consequences.

                        • 7 votes
                        #5.2 - Wed Feb 27, 2013 6:32 PM EST

                        @kennyw member of the ACLU since you were 19 who's really the idiot?

                        • 2 votes
                        #5.3 - Wed Feb 27, 2013 6:55 PM EST

                        It's STILL YOU nitwit.

                        FWIW you can ask that question from now until the day you die and the answer will remain the same.

                        But,just to put your idiocy fully on display,perhaps you can tell me,nay tell all of us,what your problem is with an organization who's sole purpose is to defend and uphold the Bill of Rights.

                        Give it your best shot and let the hilarity ensue.

                        • 7 votes
                        #5.4 - Wed Feb 27, 2013 7:53 PM EST

                        kennyw-2983735

                        perhaps you can tell me,nay tell all of us,what your problem is with an organization who's sole purpose is to defend and uphold the Bill of Rights.

                        I have no problem with an organization whose sole purpose is to defend and uphold the Bill of Rights. I do, however, have a problem with an organization whose sole purpose is to selectively defend and uphold part of the Bill of Rights. The ACLU's official, published position is that individuals have no right to own firearms. I (as well as the Supreme Court) disagree with that position.

                        • 7 votes
                        #5.5 - Wed Feb 27, 2013 8:53 PM EST

                        @kennym when an organization constantly plays the race card to cater to there own agenda there is problem when organization believes in the rights for a small minority but not for others based mostly on skin color that is a problem. Don't worry I'm sure the ACLU has a large herd of sheep that sends them money to support there select agenda. The Only hilarity ensuing is your mind.

                        • 2 votes
                        #5.6 - Wed Feb 27, 2013 9:03 PM EST

                        How hard is it to learn the difference between

                        THEIR - as in BELONGS TO THEM, OF THEM, FROM THEM
                        THERE - as in A PLACE/LOCATION and
                        THEY'RE - as in THEY ARE ? WTF ?

                        Apparently you must have been more interested in what you were WEARING in school than what you were supposed to be LEARNING.

                        • 5 votes
                        #5.7 - Thu Feb 28, 2013 10:15 AM EST

                        Bailer14

                        Despite your un-clever and unintelligent insults the ACLU will continue its work to defend the Constitutional rights of all Americans, liberal .... conservative .... undeclared .... even uninterested.

                          #5.8 - Thu Feb 28, 2013 3:25 PM EST

                          Kenny - You are part of what's wrong with this country. I don't believe in the "let it all hang out" philosophy. I think there should be rules of civility. The kid violated the rules of civility and I think a dress code in school should be in place that forbids that kind of T-shirt.

                            #5.9 - Thu Feb 28, 2013 3:47 PM EST

                            "Give it your best shot and let the hilarity ensue."

                            "Fire" in a crowded theater isn't all that far from,"No Fags" in a public school. I have to consider that his parents - thereby his social strata - endorse the position. But hey, liberals are all about themselves.

                              #5.10 - Fri Mar 8, 2013 8:02 PM EST
                              Reply

                              Conservatives hate the ACLU, yet the ACLU defended this students right to wear the shirt, just like they protected Rush Limbaugh's medical records.

                              The ACLU...defenders of liberty and the bill of rights. If you don't believe it, then you don't understand what the word "freedom" really means.

                              I used to be a member of the ACLU and the NRA. Now, I just give my money to the ACLU.

                              • 8 votes
                              Reply#6 - Wed Feb 27, 2013 5:44 PM EST

                              Hope this nut job doesn't own guns. Sounds to me like a potential shooter. He doesn't even live in that town.

                              • 4 votes
                              Reply#7 - Wed Feb 27, 2013 5:55 PM EST

                              He couldn't even get the right school. I don't even want to consider what could have ensued if he had a gun. Let's just be grateful he did not have one on him at this time. Anything is possible and only ignorant people would believe otherwise...until it happens.

                              • 2 votes
                              #7.1 - Thu Feb 28, 2013 7:48 AM EST
                              Reply

                              Maybe the student just isn't a fan of rainbows. Did this guy ever think about that? I swear, it's getting to the point where if you wore a t-shirt with a specific type of DOG on it somebody would yell you're being biased in favor of that certain breed and prejudiced to all the others, or ignoring shelter dogs completely! How dare you?!

                              As much as we might hate it, if they shirt doesn't deliberately say "I hate gays" on it it's not offensive enough to ban. Back in my day there were actual anti-gay shirts actually being sold in chain stores! Anybody remember the "silly rabbit" shirt? They were being sold in the mall! Now THAT was an unacceptable shirt!

                              • 4 votes
                              Reply#8 - Wed Feb 27, 2013 5:55 PM EST

                              Actually, even an "I Hate Gays" shirt might not be enough to ban, because it's not being derogatory or obscene, and would also fall under first amendment protection. The only end run the school might make in that instance, is if the shirt created a "hostile envirnment", but even then it would be iffy. Now, if it said something like "Fagets Should All Go and Blow Their Brains Out", then we get into territory where it might be inflammatory enough to ban. Remember, the first amendment applies even to speech that we would find abhorrant.

                              • 6 votes
                              #8.1 - Wed Feb 27, 2013 6:12 PM EST

                              ***addition*** Similarly, you can't ban shirts that say "I Hate Blacks" provided there is no actual discrimination going on. People are allowed to hate whatever they want.

                              • 4 votes
                              #8.2 - Wed Feb 27, 2013 6:17 PM EST

                              The rainbow with the slash threw it was on the front. On the back were male and female stick figures and the caption "Excessive Speech Day". He wore the t-shirt on the day of silence. The student also admits that the t-shirt is anti-gay. Sounds like he intended to discrimnate to me.

                              • 3 votes
                              #8.3 - Wed Feb 27, 2013 8:36 PM EST

                              In my day this kid would have gotten a good old fashioned ass kicking in the schoolyard once school let out....and deservedly so.

                                #8.4 - Thu Feb 28, 2013 10:18 AM EST

                                Rev:

                                Actually, even an "I Hate Gays" shirt might not be enough to ban, because it's not being derogatory or obscene, and would also fall under first amendment protection.

                                Not being derogatory? Seriously?

                                • 1 vote
                                #8.5 - Thu Feb 28, 2013 10:23 AM EST

                                Would have gotten an azz kicking from who exactly?.

                                  #8.6 - Tue Mar 12, 2013 11:37 AM EDT
                                  Reply

                                  Now, Now. Guns are bad and should be taken off the streets and mental cases are good and should be put on the streets; along with the SVP's being paroled and put in neighborhoods.

                                  • 3 votes
                                  Reply#9 - Wed Feb 27, 2013 6:01 PM EST

                                  Someone needs to teach this gentleman how to protest and exercise his free speech properly. Is there a proper way ?

                                  • 1 vote
                                  Reply#10 - Wed Feb 27, 2013 6:09 PM EST

                                  Sure. Write a letter, start a petition drive, hold a rally, put up a sign, start a blog, file a lawsuit, go to school board meetings, run for school board, tie a yellow ribbon 'round the old oak tree, etc., etc.

                                  Barging into a school during the school day under false pretenses? Not so much.

                                  • 6 votes
                                  #10.1 - Wed Feb 27, 2013 6:13 PM EST

                                  No, there is no proper way to express hatred. I seriously doubt our Founding Fathers meant for the Freedom of Speech to mean that we can spread hatred through discrimination. Spreading hate over sexual orientation or race is no different than trying to impose one's religious beliefs on those who believe differently. In my opinion, God does not promote hatred or discrimination...people do!!

                                  • 1 vote
                                  #10.2 - Thu Feb 28, 2013 7:54 AM EST
                                  Reply

                                  Love 'em or hate 'em, the gays are out of the closet and there's nothing to be done about it. They are who they are - who cares?

                                  Don't worry, be happy!

                                  • 6 votes
                                  Reply#11 - Wed Feb 27, 2013 6:18 PM EST

                                  Where can I buy one of those shirts?

                                  • 4 votes
                                  Reply#12 - Wed Feb 27, 2013 6:20 PM EST

                                  Bottom line...even the chronically ignorant have the right to express that chronic ignorance. The old dude meant well, but he was wrong. ASHLEY JUDD (DEM-KY) 2014! Adios Mitch.

                                  • 5 votes
                                  Reply#13 - Wed Feb 27, 2013 6:23 PM EST

                                  I don't reckon so, B Hatfield/KY. The McCoy clan backs McConnell to the hilt, and them's fightin' words!

                                  • 2 votes
                                  #13.1 - Thu Feb 28, 2013 5:51 AM EST

                                  Hey Eric, refer you to the first sentence of my comment. And yours should read "them there's fightin' words". But seriously, I enjoy your comments...you probably do read something other than the TV Guide and sports pages. Stay away from the Fox Propaganda Network and eventually your intellect will develop fully. Shall I send you an Ashley Judd bumper sticker. Place it over that "when guns are outlawed" thing.

                                  • 3 votes
                                  #13.2 - Thu Feb 28, 2013 9:29 AM EST
                                  Reply

                                  So if someone is not allowed to wear a "black-face" to school the ACLU would sue to allow them? (I am African American and gay.)

                                  • 2 votes
                                  Reply#14 - Wed Feb 27, 2013 6:26 PM EST

                                  If an anti-gay T-shirt is supposedly 'First Amendment protected speech', then in-response I encourage additional T-shirts to be emblazoned with "Throw a Christian to a Lion", "God is a myth", and one with Calvin wizzing on a cross.

                                  My point: laws are not meant to be tools for any one group to use as a weapon against the other. If this is supposedly fair and free protected speech, then the opposite is true too. Before you religious wackjobs then change your tune and cry victim, just remember that laws are founded upon principles, not on your ideology and brand of religion or politics.

                                  I personally find the T-shirt a distraction from reading, writing and arithmetic which should be the school's mission, not culture war politics. While I support anyone to wear something that affirms themselves, their sexual orientation and/or their faith, it is clear that the objective to ridicule another group is contrary what educators should stand for. The anti-gay T-shirt should be banned, just as anti-religions T-shirts as well. But if a school decides to embark on political turf, then religious anti-gay zealots cannot expect to have it both ways and expect the law to be self-serving to their agendas.

                                  • 5 votes
                                  Reply#15 - Wed Feb 27, 2013 6:27 PM EST

                                  Mark., # 15.0,

                                  You're wrong, Having the govt (school) decide the content of free speech is a gross violation of our rights.

                                  A rainbow t-shirt with either a 'yes' or a 'no' are EQUALLY protected. No court would support the banning of only one and not the other.

                                  We all have the right of free speech, but NOT to be free from distractions or even insults.

                                  You're going to have to grow up and learn that there are as many opinions as we have people, and YOU will never be allowed to decide who gets to say what.

                                  • 4 votes
                                  #15.1 - Thu Feb 28, 2013 5:24 AM EST

                                  Yes, that's why we have courts. Asked and answered. See Post #3.4.

                                  Laws and courts: that's what the grown-ups obey. . .

                                    #15.2 - Thu Feb 28, 2013 5:55 AM EST
                                    Reply

                                    Mr.Rice was out of line lying to the school about his reason for being there.He sounds like he needs some mental health counseling.As for the school dress code,I think kids should wear uniforms,problem solved.Kids are in school to learn and not to make fashion or political statements.

                                    • 4 votes
                                    Reply#16 - Wed Feb 27, 2013 6:39 PM EST

                                    So many bigoted comments. Enough reason to not allow that damn t-shirt.

                                    But, this is a very old man. There's probably a lot more to the story related to his age and mental health than to anything else.

                                    I like the idea of uniforms as well. Every school should have them.

                                    • 1 vote
                                    Reply#17 - Wed Feb 27, 2013 6:43 PM EST

                                    A very old man? He's 68. That's hardly very old.

                                    • 4 votes
                                    #17.1 - Wed Feb 27, 2013 8:42 PM EST
                                    Reply

                                    I can't imagine this is news on a national site.

                                    • 1 vote
                                    Reply#18 - Wed Feb 27, 2013 6:45 PM EST

                                    Yankee Boy, this is nbcnews... this is a big story for them.

                                    • 3 votes
                                    #18.1 - Wed Feb 27, 2013 6:53 PM EST
                                    Reply

                                    We sheep should just learn to lay down and roll over for the Homosexuals.

                                    • 4 votes
                                    Reply#19 - Wed Feb 27, 2013 6:51 PM EST

                                    Well if you're fat, maybe you could lay down and roll over in some flour so your boy friend kind find your nice moist bung hole.

                                    • 3 votes
                                    #19.1 - Wed Feb 27, 2013 6:55 PM EST
                                    Reply

                                    Poor old coot. His heart is in the right place but everyone has the right to express themselves, even the misguided bigots.

                                    Good for the ACLU. I wonder though, if it's okay for the slash through the rainbow T-shirt, what about a slash through a cross T-shirt? Wonder how that would go over.

                                    • 3 votes
                                    Reply#20 - Wed Feb 27, 2013 6:53 PM EST

                                    The Gays practice an art called "Gradualism", slowly, gradually encroaching on the majorities morals. They and the Media use words like 'Homophobe" to guilt straight folks into thinking that adopting an Anti-gay stance is wrong- your morals be damned. The ACLU should be listed as a Terrorist group as they've caused more deaths in this country than Muslim extremists.

                                    • 5 votes
                                    Reply#21 - Wed Feb 27, 2013 7:04 PM EST

                                    The majorities morals? Firstly, the anti-gay crowd is actually becoming a minority.

                                    The ACLU defended the right for this kid to wear an anti gay T-shirt.

                                    You sound very confused.

                                    • 5 votes
                                    #21.1 - Wed Feb 27, 2013 7:20 PM EST

                                    Firstly, the anti-gay crowd is actually the silent majority- the pro-gays (the minority) are the squeaky wheel i.e read what I said about Gradualism and the Media's goal of shutting up the anti-gay message by using words like "Homophobia", virtually unheard of until the Media took it for a ride. Perceived guilt has an affect of quieting the Moral majority.

                                    The ACLU did defend this dude, first time they've gotten something right. Other than that, they rid the schools of prayer, Pledge of Alliance, been the banner group for the gays etc. Literally THOUSANDS of people have died in this country due directly to there actions. Imagine if the 10 commandmants were taught as it used to be. Remember school shootings in the 40's, 50's and 60's? Nope, cause MORALS were taught. Then the ACLU, Dr. Spock, Roe vs Wade led to all these shootings.

                                    • 2 votes
                                    #21.2 - Wed Feb 27, 2013 7:43 PM EST

                                    The "silent" majority? You're kidding me right?. The stats say the Pro Gays are now in the majority. And, the Moral Majority is neither.

                                    The ACLU doesn't pick sides, they protect freedom of speech, even for the KKK.

                                    You can't prove ACLU actions have cause "thousands" of deaths. That's BS.

                                    You sound like you are all for living in a Christian Theocracy. This is a Secular nation for a reason.

                                    So A-holes like you can't legislate your flavor of morality on the masses.

                                    • 4 votes
                                    #21.3 - Wed Feb 27, 2013 7:58 PM EST

                                    Wow, must've struck a nerve for you to change the discussion into "so A-holes"......

                                    The stats say the Anti-gays are in the majority (by a wide margin). So, stop with the propaganda. repeating lies never make them truths.

                                    As for BS...sounds like that's what you're sniffing when you are kissing the ACLU's a ss.

                                    So, you're saying that taking prayer out of schools HASN'T directly contributed to so many students, civilians deaths? If YOU believe that, then THAT'S BS.

                                    So "folks" ( I'll take the high road and refer to folks like you as Folks rather then YOUR choice of A- holes) like you can't legislate the Gays flavor on morality on the masses.

                                    See, it's rather obvious that you have a particular bent to your stand. Anyone who doesn't embrace the gays is wrong and pro-gay is right. THAT'S BS!!!

                                    • 5 votes
                                    #21.4 - Wed Feb 27, 2013 8:13 PM EST

                                    As if you didn't have some axe to grind yourself.

                                    Equality is the name of the game. Get that through your thick head.

                                    Good grief, so many Christians, so few lions.

                                    You can have your BS opinion and your BS religion. Just keep your BS out of my Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.

                                    • 4 votes
                                    #21.5 - Wed Feb 27, 2013 8:35 PM EST

                                    Wow...sorry....you gave up.

                                    But, on the bright side.... you got away with calling me a thick head.

                                    Question? - Equality = 2 gays in a hundredfolk?

                                    • 1 vote
                                    #21.6 - Thu Feb 28, 2013 2:32 AM EST

                                    Boys, boys! Why don't you two kiss and make up?

                                    On a serious note, can anyone out there tell me how the term 'homophobia' came to mean a dislike or disgust at gay behavior? 'Phobia' = fear. I don't imagine the anti-gay crowd fears gays in the same way they might fear, say, death or erectile dysfunction.

                                    Why not hold a contest to decide on a more accurate (but still PC) term/ Any suggestions?

                                    • 2 votes
                                    #21.7 - Thu Feb 28, 2013 6:05 AM EST

                                    LJ., # 21.1,

                                    SCOTUS is soon to decide CA prop-8 that established marriage as only between a man and a woman.

                                    In the only poll that matters, a majority of the most populous state of the union vote against homosexual marriage.

                                    Thus your post is either based on ignorance or dishonesty.

                                    • 3 votes
                                    #21.8 - Thu Feb 28, 2013 7:03 AM EST

                                    In the only poll that matters, a majority of the most populous state of the union vote against homosexual marriage.

                                    More proof that this nation is comprised mainly of hate-filled nutjobs who have the audacity to call themselves "Christians."

                                      #21.9 - Thu Feb 28, 2013 10:38 AM EST

                                      Sorry, Dave, but the ACLU has caused no deaths. Neither did removing prayer from school. The reason we get more and more school shootings now all comes down to income and livable wages. Every person has to earn money now. There is no more family. So these kids rely on themselves. The breakdown of the family unit, the lack of livable wages, and inflation that is out of control are the true causes of well, just about all of our ills. :)

                                        #21.10 - Thu Feb 28, 2013 10:15 PM EST
                                        Reply

                                        free speach will sonn be a thing of the past......beware

                                        • 1 vote
                                        Reply#22 - Wed Feb 27, 2013 7:30 PM EST

                                        I am old enough to remember when, if you called a man of color, a black man, it was taken as a real insult.

                                        And on the street, regardless of color, were you to introduced as "he's my n**ger, it meant you were a close, trusted friend, someone who could be counted on. It was considered quite a complement.

                                        Times change. Now I think the only people in America who have free speech are the Blacks.

                                        • 3 votes
                                        #22.1 - Wed Feb 27, 2013 8:30 PM EST

                                        Case in point...when I used the "N" word, it was changed to "%*(%$". Maybe we have free speech but be don't have free use of words.

                                        • 1 vote
                                        #22.2 - Wed Feb 27, 2013 8:36 PM EST

                                        L-O-L-A Lola, it's a mixed up crazy world accept for Lola, L-O-L-A Lola.

                                        LOL.

                                        • 2 votes
                                        #22.3 - Wed Feb 27, 2013 8:40 PM EST

                                        The BET network is exempt.

                                          #22.4 - Thu Feb 28, 2013 4:51 AM EST
                                          Reply

                                          We have free use of words and we have the freedom to respond to words. It's called debate.

                                          • 3 votes
                                          Reply#23 - Wed Feb 27, 2013 8:40 PM EST

                                          Moral Majority my ass.

                                          Yes Dave, you did strike a nerve.

                                          Why?

                                          Because you used that as a premise for your argument. It's a faulty dumb ass premise that warranted a response of chastisement for having such a weak, pathetic stance.

                                          • 3 votes
                                          Reply#24 - Wed Feb 27, 2013 8:48 PM EST

                                          Disagree. My premise was Gradualism of acceptance and the Media's use of phrases such as "Homophobic" or "Homophobia" to shame otherwise normal, hetrosexual's into thinking it's OK to accept the very few ie. the minority Gays. But, I won't call your obviously weak, pathetic stance a weak pathetic stance. I'm bigger.

                                          • 4 votes
                                          #24.1 - Thu Feb 28, 2013 4:37 AM EST

                                          Acceptance of minorities is, practically by definition, a gradual process, Dave. So what's your point? And what term (not phrase) would you apply to those who oppose homosexuality? And why do you insist that the media has endorsed homophilia and tries to shame the rest of us into accepting it? Can you not see that this is a civil rights issue, and not a debate over the Bible or varieties of sexual experience?

                                          Like it or not, our society gradually is moving towards full inclusion, despite the objection of your mythical 'moral majority'.

                                          • 3 votes
                                          #24.2 - Thu Feb 28, 2013 6:18 AM EST

                                          Edward Filene, Institute for Propaganda Analysis, 1937.

                                          Name Calling: "Propagandists use this technique to create fear and arouse prejudice by using
                                          negative words (bad names) to create an unfavorable opinion or hatred against a
                                          group, beliefs, ideas or institutions they would have us denounce. This method
                                          calls for a conclusion without examining the evidence."

                                          Phobes, libtards, rethuglicans, - you get the drift?

                                          • 2 votes
                                          #24.3 - Thu Feb 28, 2013 10:41 AM EST

                                          Alright, taking sides now. Go LJ, Screw you Dave. Stop being a HOMOPHOBE. As a suggestion, go read State of Fear if you want to get into some of the real nitty gritty with the media and their blown out-of-proportion headlines. Yes, the media has always lied to attract viewers and to just flat.out.scare.us. But that has nothing to do with this. It is time. THEY ARE NOT BOTHERING YOU SO BACK OFF. Let people love who they want to love, let them do it without being called that terrible word. STOP. All of you unfair, bigoted people, just STOP. Love is love. Stop giving them so so so much hate.

                                            #24.4 - Thu Feb 28, 2013 10:19 PM EST

                                            I see it's not JUST the media that attempts to "shame" hetrosexuals into their way of thinking. Katie uses "HOMOPHOBE", LJ uses "a holes". Homophobe. Really. Simply because my morals are different than yours? NOW we see who the narrow minded folks REALLY are. Like is said earlier- "See, it's rather obvious that you have a particular bent to your stand. Anyone who doesn't embrace the gays is wrong and pro-gay is right".

                                            Now, for an experiment. Go to your local Medical School. Take a first year medical student and ask him/her- What is the use of the anal cavity? Dollars to donuts says that he/she DOESN'T say sex!

                                            Your comment- "Let people love who they want to love". Well, if you're going to be THAT open-minded then, what's next? A 57 year old man and a 10 year old girl? No, why? THAT'S UNNATURAL! A women and a horse, a man and a sheep? No, why? THAT"S UNNATURAL!, a man doing another man (after speaking with the medical student) No, why? THAT"S UNNATURAL!!

                                            No other mammal practices homosexuality (except for Chimps who do it for domination and not for sex) except Man. Why? THAT"S UNNATURAL!!!!

                                            Good choice for switching words though. Instead of calling them homosexuals, call them Unnaturals.

                                            • 5 votes
                                            #24.5 - Fri Mar 1, 2013 4:18 PM EST
                                            Reply

                                            Obviously an Obama voter- thank goodness the school's security measures worked, and he was not allowed to come in and start shooting.

                                            • 4 votes
                                            Reply#25 - Wed Feb 27, 2013 8:51 PM EST

                                            So now its just Obama voters who come out and shoot up schools? You inane twit. Nevermind that most of the school shooters were raised in conservative households. How about I just blame school shootings on those Goddamn Christians? Let's blame it on Bush, since we are pointing fingers. Hell, I'll just blame YOU, Vern. Did you cause the school shootings? asshat.

                                            • 1 vote
                                            #25.1 - Thu Feb 28, 2013 10:22 PM EST
                                            Reply
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