A viral video has revealed a clash between students and school officials in Idaho. Over whether the term “brown pride” is a symbol of cultural pride or a sign of gang affiliation.
A video seen by more than 1.6 million people on TikTok and later shared. On other platforms shows students at Caldwell High School. In Idaho protesting for the right to wear culturally significant. Clothing items with features such as the words “brown pride”.
In the video, Latina high school student. Brenda Hernandez says school officials asked her to remove her “brown pride” hoodie. Because it could be considered racist and like wearing a “white pride” shirt.
Hernandez, a senior, said in a phone interview that the Jan. 17. Protest followed an incident in early December. He was sitting in his fifth-period economics class. When he was called to the principal’s office and escorted by a school staff member.
Hernandez said there was no reason to suspect he would be in trouble. He said the staff member informed him that the visit was due to his hoodie.
“He was telling me: ‘You can’t wear it, because it has ‘brown pride’. It’s like wearing a white pride shirt. People might find it racist,” he said.
Hernandez said the principal described the item of clothing. As gang-related and that he received a dress code violation.
Caldwell High School’s dress code policy prohibits the “wearing, wearing. Associating with any gang is prohibited at any time on any school premises. Or at any school-sponsored activity.”
TTN News contacted Caldwell High School officials. And was directed to the Caldwell School District’s communications director. Jessica Watts, who responded in an emailed statement. “Our research at the time of making this decision shows that the term ‘Brown Pride.’ Is associated with street gangs that currently operate. . In the north-west. Thus, district policy does not allow students to wear gang-related clothing. We understand that some students may be concerned with this policy.
Char Jackson, public information officer for the city of Caldwell, Caldwell Police Department. And Caldwell Fire Department said there are two primary gangs in the area. They are working with – Norteos and Surenos.
Caldwell police found that the Brown Pride Surios were a subset of the Surios. And had become active in the past two years, Jackson said.
A clothing brand is a victim of ‘stereotype’
Sonny Ligas, director of the Idaho chapter. Of the League of United Latin American Citizens, or LULAC. Also owns Jefito Hats, a local community brand that created the. “Brown Pride” hoodie and first opened its doors in 1997.
The shop sells Chicano-style hats, clothing and accessories. The merchandise has become popular with young people.
“It really bothers me where they can stereotype, you know, that it’s gang-related,” Ligas said. “I’m not gang-affiliated – how can we allow these people to munk [stain] a culture with. Their palabras [words] that they know nothing about?”
Hernandez, who models for Zefito Hats, said she before wore the same hoodie to school. And had never received a dress code violation until last month. Hernandez said she believes wearing culturally significant. Clothing comes from a place of comfort. A way to show her pride. . He said he organized a peaceful protest by talking to the principal of his school.
He estimated a turnout of 100 students in the morning before classes began. They wore beads, bandanas and clothing inspired by Latino heritage. And brown pride, and some students brought Mexican flags, she said. Leagues also take part in solidarity.
To walk inside the building to protest. Something she and the principal had before agreed to, she said. Because they could disturb other classrooms. Their brown Pride-related clothing. Ligas and several students said they saw the school policy. As a form of censorship and discrimination.
“Brown Pride” is not about racism; “It’s completely different,” Ligas said. And Mexican American cultural and civil rights movement.
According to the Caldwell School District’s spring 2022. Enrollment statistics, 62.5% of K-12 students are Latino. More than 99% of all enrolled students come from low–income families.
