The principal who reportedly asked a student to change a shirt with President Trump’s name on it at a recent football game remains employed with the Harnett County Schools, reportedly in a position at the central office.
Harnett County School Board member Jason Lemons, who represents parts of the Harnett Central district, confirmed that former Harnett Central High School Principal Cindy Gordon remains an employee of the school system.
Mr. Lemons could not confirm what position Mrs. Gordon now holds and could not confirm she has started her new position.
“I have consulted with legal counsel and I can say that Mrs. Gordon remains as an employee,” Mr. Lemons said.
The school system announced Friday it was replacing Mrs. Gordon at Harnett Central with Harnett Primary School Principal Catherine Jones.
Calls to other school personnel were not immediately returned. It is not known whether her pay changed.
Mrs. Gordon reportedly asked student Matthew Collins to remove a shirt with President Donald Trump’s name on it at a football game on Oct. 5.
She made the request after parents said the shirt made them uncomfortable. The shirt featuring an American flag on the front along with the Statue of Liberty was worn because school staff members encouraged students to wear patriotic clothing. The shirt had Trump on the back and the number 45. President Trump is the 45th president of the United States.
Matthew chose to leave the game.
Matthew’s father, Michael Collins, has said Superintendent Dr. Aaron Fleming, Board Chairman Bill Morris and Mrs. Gordon apologized to him, but have not apologized to Matthew.
The system later said in a press release that it supports students’ rights to express themselves politically as long as it’s not disruptive and said the constitutional rights of students will continue to be protected.
-Dunn Daily Record
