Jimmy Heyward is a middle-schooler in California who happens to love America.
A rarity, I know!
In May, Jimmy's parents said he was barred from making a speech at Saint Bonaventure Catholic School in Huntington Beach, California, when he was running for "Commissioner of School Spirit & Patriotism" because - get this - he wouldn't cut the patriotic elements.
His parents demanded that Principal Mary Flock be fired after Jimmy was left "completely humiliated," BUT the school apparently got ahead of it all by simply banning Jimmy and his sisters from attending the school next year.
Apparently, loving America violates the school's "Christian Code of Conduct" and "Parent Electronic Communications Policy."
From Jimmy's mother, Hattie:
This letter is to inform you of a decision regarding your family's association with St. Bonaventure School. After careful consideration and thorough review of recent events, and with the support of the Diocese, the decision has been made to terminate your family's enrollment from St. Bonaventure School for next school year.
This decision comes as a result of serious violations of the Christian Code of Conduct and the Parent Electronic Communication Policy, as outlined in our Parent Student Handbook and included below. These policies are in place to ensure a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for all members of our school community, and adherence to them is crucial for the welfare and integrity of our educational environment.
Since Thursday, May 16th, certain actions have taken place which are in direct violation of this Code of Conduct and Parent Electronic Communication policy, which include:
speaking to administration in a way that is not in line with our expectations for respectful and courteous communication
posting disparaging remarks about the administration and faculty on social media, that has led to a smear campaign of the administration
inviting outside community members to join in an unsanctioned gathering on parish grounds
promoting a petition on a public social media forum to remove the principal from her position
making threats to the administration if demands are not met
There might be more context here from the school's perspective, but if so, they haven't shared it.
As for his dangerously patriotic speech? Here's an excerpt:
I'm eager to make pep rallies more fun, energetic, and participative. I would do this by making chants, having better games, involving more people, and adding prizes. SBS flags, pep rally games, teacher competitions and music are all ideas I would hope to add.
...
The courtyard is beautiful, yet I feel that I could bring greatness to it. I aspire to add more flowers and bedding to the garden.
That all sounds great to me, kid! 👍
As commissioner, he also wanted to help with history-related topics and events - he proposed the school meet with Japanese Americans from internment camps, as well as Holocaust and 9/11 survivors.
Here's the part that I have to assume pissed the school off:
My love for America is my motivation for running for Commissioner of Patriotism & School Spirit. It is an honor to live in this country. Sadly, some people take their citizenship for granted. Whether it is disrespecting those who protect or eating nachos during the national anthem at a sporting event.
Many people recite the Pledge of Allegiance without understanding its meaning; they might as well be reciting the lyrics to Shake It Off by Taylor Swift.
...
As the Commissioner of Patriotism, I would have the crucial task of creating ways to bring more patriotism to SBS.
I love my country, and I love St. Bonaventure, but I want to strengthen our patriotism and school spirit.
...
I will make the school spirit great again. I will make patriotism within SBS great again. And most importantly, I will make SBS great again.
Aha! There ya have it.
"My love for America," ... "An honor to live in this country," plus the added Trump-ey "make ____ great again" lines.
Sounds like Jimmy and his sisters had it coming, right?
P.S. Now check out our latest video 👇
