The Vox Box

Wed., Feb. 4, 2009

Hatred or Heritage?

The confederate flag is seen by many as a symbol of racism and hatred, but according to an Associated Press article, some see it as a symbol of Southern heritage. Many public schools have banned wearing clothing with the confederate flag, but some students and parents are arguing that banning the wearing of the confederate flag is against students' rights to free speech. Cases concerning students wearing confederate flag apparel have shown up in courts across the country, and the verdicts have varied. Many have sided with the schools, agreeing the flags are disruptive in a learning environment.

Is it against students' first amendment rights to ban the confederate flag, or is it for the safety of others? Do kids who wear the confederate flag understand the meaning behind it, or are they just repeating their parents' beliefs?

Posted Feb. 4, 2009, 8:15 p.m.

In 2006, then-editor Steve Smith of The Spokesman-Review had the idea of starting a publication for an often forgotten audience: teenagers. The Vox Box was a continuation of the Vox, an all-student staffed newspaper published by The Spokesman-Review. High school student journalists who staffed the Vox made all content decisions as they learn about the trade of journalism. This blog's mission was to give students an opportunity to publish their voices. The Vox Box and the Vox wrapped up in June 2009, but you can follow former staffers' new blog at http://voxxiez.blogspot.com.