Free speech at issue

Adriana Cohen needs lessons in both the Constitution and the essence of patriotism (“High school’s apology for patriotism is a step too far,” March 14). When teens go to high-school basketball games, they usually wear their school colors and cheer for their team.

When they deck themselves out in red, white and blue to chant “U.S.A.,” they are making a political statement. And they should expect to be called out on it by others who have an equal right of free speech under the First Amendment. This is not about political correctness, it’s a matter of common decency and true patriotism.

Real patriotism is not wrapping oneself in the flag, but recognizing that all persons have equal rights under our Constitution.