Free Speech Squelched at Santa Barbara High

by Milan Jegottka

SBHS’s One-Sided Approach

As president of Young Americans for Freedom at Santa Barbara High School, I have encountered roadblock after roadblock in my efforts to stand up for Israel amidst the ongoing Israeli-Hamas war.

During the recent fighting between Israel and Hamas, 200 innocent Israeli civilians were taken hostage by Hamas. Seeking to stand in solidarity with the Israelis taken captive, I sought to display a memorial consisting of 200 Israeli flags. Seeking approval, I talked with our school’s Principal, Mr. Fred Razo, during which he expressed interest in the memorial display. Encouraged by Mr. Razo's interest and enthusiasm, I approached the Associated Student Body (ASB) teacher regarding rules or guidelines that might prevent me from holding this display. After the interaction with the ASB teacher, I was directed to the assistant principal's office.

Hostage Memorial deemed “Potentially Disruptive”

After meeting with the assistant principal, I received an email that would shatter my plans. The email informed me that the presentation of a flag memorial would be seen as “potentially disruptive,” which meant they weren’t going to allow me to create the memorial. Seeking to appeal the ruling, I spoke to Mr. Razo per the email. 

This decision, allegedly made to prevent “potential disruptions,” reflects a disturbing trend of stifling free speech. Our attempt to honor the innocent victims of Hamas terrorism was dismissed, with the administration suggesting that the display might be misconstrued as representing the views of the entire student body.

When I realized that hosting a memorial display, despite my best efforts, would not be possible, I decided to submit an op-ed explaining why I support Israel to the school paper, The Forge.

The High School Newspaper Stands For… What?

The Forge states on its website that it’s a newspaper that stands for democracy, “We hope to make it the forum,” it states, “where students and faculty may meet for discussion of those matters that most concern our school community,” and that they publish work with the First Amendment in mind. With this pledge, I submitted my op-ed with high hopes that it would be published. Little did I know that wouldn't be the case.

How could a publication that claims to champion democracy and open discourse turn its back, and suppress the voices it claims to uphold, and encourage?

Santa Barbara High School’s newspaper The Forge seems to have developed a rather troubling consistency of publishing only one side’s opinion on recent events. Shortly after the events of January 6th, 2021, The Forge seemingly wasted no time and published the op-ed “Impeach Trump… Again” calling for the impeachment of then President Trump, branding the Republican Party, as the “party of domestic terrorism, whether they like it or not.”

The Forge as Mouthpiece for the Left

Another op-ed was published titled “The Unraveling of our Democracy” labeling January 6th as “one of the darkest days in American history.” Additionally, The Forge continued its one-sided opinion pieces by publishing the op-ed titled “Gun control and why it's long overdue” boldly calling 2^nd Amendment gun rights “outdated” as well as the op-ed titled “How the Pledge Divides Us.” This op-ed urged the Associated Student Body to keep the pledge of allegiance out of the classroom. “Keeping these 31 words out of our classrooms,” the op-ed states, “will create a more unified student body, which is actually indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

Do I dare say, that The Forge becomes a mouthpiece for a certain political ideology?

Shortly after having submitted my op-ed, it was subjected to editing by one of their staff editors, labeling it “Islamophobic, very misleading, and harmful.” After realizing that my opinion piece was being censored by The Forge, I approached Mr. Razo, inquiring about the possibility he might overturn the decision. To my surprise, he upheld the ruling given by Ms. Cloutier.

Diversity of Thought Not Allowed

During my pursuit to raise awareness of the innocent civilians previously taken hostage by Hamas, I've encountered a plethora of roadblocks seemingly aimed at suppressing free speech and expression. The school administration rejected my simple proposal for a memorial, under the guise that it would be seen as “potentially disruptive.”

The Forge’s censoring of my Op-Ed is clear viewpoint discrimination. High school should be a place where students are exposed to critical thinking and diversity of thought. It is vital that we are open to different viewpoints, opinions, and beliefs, even if they may be controversial or unpopular. Challenging our thoughts develops critical thinking skills in students, preparing us for the real world.

How are students expected to navigate the real world where different opinions, viewpoints, and thoughts are discussed when their school silences these very perspectives? If Santa Barbara High School truly believes in free speech and ensuring that students are allowed to utilize their rights guaranteed by the First Amendment, they should instruct The Forge to publish my op-ed, ensuring that all students, regardless of their beliefs, have an equal platform for their voice to be heard.