What may have been funny to these students was disrespectful to many.

“I have worked at DRHS for 15 years, and rarely have I ever felt unsafe within my school,” declares Mrs. Buchanan, “I have numerous students this year who are Latino; I have Asian students; I even have a student from Africa. This message of hate sent by these students causes me to fear for the safety of my students as well as us teachers.”

Last Friday, September 2^nd, several boys wore t-shirts that read “Border Patrol.” After four trips to the office and a stern talking to from the cops at the game, the boys were allowed to wear the shirts in school and to the game.

What did their message mean?

MOD (Men of Dakota) squad member, Sean Dimoff (12) states, “This is an embarrassment to the school. We are a school with ethnic diversity, and the fact that a few in the student body would go out and alienate part of our school and the rival’s school populace is disgusting.”

Dakota students strive to achieve the goals of to learn, to love, and to leave a positive legacy. Other students’ actions reflect on our school as a whole, so when students from Dakota wear a “Border Patrol” shirt, the entire Dakota Ridge community is affected.

“While we want all students to Live, Love, Learn, and Leave A Legacy, we collectively – students, staff, and parents – should seek to ensure the actions we bring forth daily are those of honor and integrity and include a foundation of positive support, caring, and compassion for one another. This is the learning community we should all strive for at Dakota Ridge High School,” describes Jelinek.

Students have to live in this environment which the staff and students create. Although, legally, no one can stop someone from wearing a shirt like this, students must ask themselves “Who we be?” Immigration is a complicated and complex issue that congress continues to debate. So, students have to think about the message they want to represent. Do we want to be a student body whom allows this kind of negative vibe to go around while being frowned upon by others, or do we want to be the ones to leave a positive legacy and be looked upon with a high regard from others?  

“Regardless, there is always a time and place to express one’s freedom of speech. The boys who wore the shirts in an environment with a significant Hispanic population created the potential for a substantial disruption and danger to themselves and those around them,” states Dr. Jelinek.

Many students and the staff have taken this to heart and feel very uncomfortable.

“It was offensive because I think that it’s a pretty touchy subject. I mean my boyfriend is Mexican, so to me that is definitely a hate crime,” comments Hannah Warren (12).

Jeffco students are not allowed to wear clothing that relates to drugs, sex, or alcohol, so, why should wearing racist clothing be allowed?

“I would challenge each boy who wore a shirt to reflect upon his actions. Was this a political statement or was it simply founded in immature, hateful, ignorance? Was this truly the time and place to selfishly take the attention away from the student athletes on the field, the community spirit being promoted by the cheerleaders and fans, and the pride within the stands felt for the men on the field from their parents who had traveled multiple hours to support their sons?”

Not only is this a challenge for the boys to reflect upon their actions, but it is a challenge for everyone at Dakota to truly think about their actions and the reasons for them.