Congressman questions NCHSAA decision to place North Stanly team on probation for holding Trump sign

NEW LONDON, N.C. — The North Stanly High School cheerleading squad has been placed on probation by the N.C. High School Athletic Association after members of the team held up a Trump 2020 sign at a school event last week, and 8th District Congressman Richard Hudson is calling foul.

Hudson, a Republican, sent a letter to NCHSAA Commissioner Que Tucker on Tuesday questioning why the the association placed the cheerleading squad on probation.

"As the representative of Stanly County, I am appalled these students are being punished for exercising their First Amendment right to free speech," Hudson said in the letter. "As leaders, we should be encouraging America's youth to participate in our democracy and political process – not punishing and silencing them. These North Stanly students respectfully displayed a sign and took a picture. They did not cause a scene, participate in a protest or break any school code of conduct."

Members of the cheerleading team and other students were photographed holding a Trump 2020 sign that said "Make America Great Again."

According to a report by The Stanly News and Press, the school system did not punish the students because no school district rules were broken.

"Why were they put on probation by the (NCHSAA) and what specific NCHSAA rule(s) did they violate?" Hudson asked in his letter.

Tucker released a statement to the media, in what she says is an attempt to clarify the story.

"NCHSAA probation, in and of itself, is not a punishment. It serves as a notice of behavior or action that is against NCHSAA Handbook Policy or contrary to expectations of sportsmanship and proper behavior," Tucker said in a written statement.

“While the NCHSAA does not have a specific policy prohibiting the display of political advertisements at athletic events, the behavior was contrary to the NCHSAA’s 'Philosophy of Cheerleading,'" Tucker continued. The philosophy suggests that cheerleaders represent the school and fans in a positive manner while showing support for the team.

Tucker noted, "It is our understanding that Stanly County Schools has a policy against political advertisements on campus or at school events. It is also our understanding that Stanly County Schools does not make political endorsements."

In fact, the district also cautioned the cheerleaders against any display that "could be perceived as the school or school system endorsing a political campaign," Tucker said.

Hudson maintains the probation is a violation of the students' First Amendment rights though.

"At the end of the day, these students have a First Amendment right to free speech, and the NCHSAA should immediately reconsider this unfair punishment. I say this not only as the federal representative of Stanly County, but also as a proud graduate of North Carolina public schools and a former NCHSAA athlete," said Hudson.