**Idaho High School Faces Backlash for Disciplining Student over Free Speech**
Parents and students joined together in protest after Kellogg High School in Idaho disciplined a student for voicing his opinion on gender. The incident has ignited a debate on the boundaries of free speech within educational institutions and the silencing of dissenting viewpoints.
High School Senior Travis Lohr deviated from his pre-approved speech during a school assembly, stating “Guys are guys, and girls are girls. There is no in-between.” In response, the school suspended Lohr for the day and barred him from participating in his upcoming graduation ceremony. Principal Dan Davidian said Lohr’s remark was inappropriate and uncalled for, but Lohr explained it was simply a spontaneous expression of his beliefs.
This disciplinary action sparked outrage within the community, leading to a protest outside the high school attended by over one hundred people. They chanted, “Let him walk!” in support of Lohr’s right to free speech. Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, weighed in on the controversy, questioning whether Lohr would have faced the same consequences if he had supported more liberal messages.
Despite the protest, Kellogg High School has not reversed its decision and Lohr remains barred from participating in the graduation ceremony. Additionally, the school fired off-duty bus driver Dakota Mailloux for joining the protest in support of free speech.
**The incident at Kellogg High School highlights the need for educational institutions to carefully consider disciplinary actions that may infringe on students’ basic rights. In an age of intense political divides, schools must be more vigilant in protecting free speech and ensuring that all voices are treated equally.**
