The Carroll County Public School Board is at a crossroads. On March 27th, Liberty High Schools Allies Club requested to post materials and make announcements regarding the 2012 Day of Silence, in recognition of LGBTQ youth who have effectively been silenced for their identities. The principal of the school told the club that the materials would have to be sent to his boss for approval. Currently, the materials are pending approval. In the past, materials that include words such as "gay", "lesbian", or "bisexual" (or anything pertaining to the LGBTQA community) in their announcements have been banned, while more watered-down, 'anti-bullying' messages have been approved. 

This is an infringement on the first amendment rights of students. According to Tinker v. Des Moines, because the Day of Silence does not disrupt the school day and is not a clear and present danger, students have the right to express themselves. Tinker v. Des Moines also states that the censoring of opinions must be justified “by something more than a mere desire to avoid the discomfort and unpleasantness that always accompany an unpopular viewpoint.”

As a student of Carroll County, I personally appreciate all the support we have recieved from community members and from our Principal.