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Texas school president promises justice for students after their Trump-themed parking spots get a surprise makeover

3 months ago 27

The president of a Texas school promised justice after two students who painted pro-Trump parking spots were asked to repaint them sparking controversy.

The graduating class at Keller High School, a public high school located in the city of Keller has a tradition, referred to a 'rite of passage,' when seniors get to purchase their own parking spot for the school year for $200 and personalize them.

One senior at the school painted an eye-catching mural of Trump wearing sunglasses and a bandana in the colors of the American flag - red, white and blue. 

The other displayed the numbers 45 and 47 - referencing Trump's 45th presidency and possible 47th presidency, WFAA-TV reported. 

But in a shocking move, news outlet reported on Tuesday that the bold-colored murals were gone - repainted with a dreary shade of gray. 

One senior at the school painted an eye-catching mural of Trump wearing sunglasses and a bandana in the colors of the American flag- red, white and blue, but on Tuesday the mural was painted over a dreary shade of gray

Dr. Charles Randklev, Keller Independent School District Board of Trustee, Place 6, wrote, in part, that 'there is nothing offensive or controversial about respectfully painting or honoring a current or former President for the United States of America'

The school district alleged that the Trump-themed parking spots 'had the potential to cause unnecessary distractions to the learning environment.' 

Dr. Charles Randklev, Keller Independent School District Board of Trustee and President, hit back with a post on Facebook on Wednesday that 'action' will be taken. 

Students are given guidelines of the painted parking spaces that they can create that is featured on the Keller High School website. 

As stated, 'use only appropriate words, symbols, and images,' the guidelines document reads. 'Spaces with inappropriate content will be painted over, confiscated, and re-sold,' as per the news report.

'KHS has the right to paint over, confiscate, and re-sell spaces that include content determined to be inappropriate by the administration, including but not limited to controversial, offensive, or obscene material,' the statement further cited. 

Though political messaging was not mentioned in the initial guidelines, the district clarified to WFAA that political messaging was not allowed. They also stated that every scenario is covered by the guidelines.

'We can confirm that there were a few spots that had to be repainted because they included content that had the potential to cause unnecessary distractions to the learning environment,' the school said.

'Every year, a few students will attempt to include a political message, controversial statement, or inappropriate words or images in their parking spot painting. When that occurs, campus administrators allow them to repaint their space.' 

On Wednesday, the school's guideline page was no longer available and said 'error' 'not found.'

The second pro-Trump mural that was painted by a senior that sparked controversy 

The graduating class at Keller High School, a public high school located in the city of Keller has a tradition, referred to a 'rite of passage, ' when seniors get to purchase their own parking spot for the school year for $200 and personalize them

The students have been busy painting their murals before the first day of classes begin August 8.

One of the parents, who asked not to be identified, but whose parking spot was one of the spaces painted over, told WFAA that the mural created was 'not obscene or inappropriate.'

Randklev's statement was posted in its entirety a day after the fiasco on Facebook.

'You may have heard about a parking lot controversy at Keller High School where students were required to paint over the parking spots in the attached photo.

'Let me be clear. There is nothing offensive or controversial about respectfully painting or honoring a current or former President for the United States of America. 

'We will take action and make it clear that the students can honor President Trump as the 45th, and soon-to-be 47th President of the United States, as they wish,' he wrote.

His post garnered mix reviews.

Keller City Councilman Greg Will thanked Randklev for the post.

He wrote, in part: 'I trust that under your leadership the school board will take appropriate action to ensure those responsible for violating these students’ first amendment rights will be appropriately held accountable.'

One parent asked: 'Didn't you run on the platform to keep politics out of schools?

Another said:  'I believe that Keller High School administration was trying to provide a safe environment for all students. That’s their job.

'For the Board President to openly ridicule their decision is disappointing and disrespectful.'

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