California High School Bans USA Chant, Students and Parents Outraged by Shocking Reason
A high school in Folsom, California has stirred debate after students were asked to reconsider chanting “USA” at games and rallies. At Vista Del Lago High School, the chant had long been a spirited tradition—but school officials recently urged students to reflect on how and when it’s used.
The guidance came during a leadership class, where staff raised concerns that patriotic chants, in some contexts, have made students from diverse backgrounds feel excluded. The message wasn’t to ban “USA,” but to promote awareness and empathy.
Daniel Thigpen, a district spokesperson, clarified: “You can practice kindness and patriotism. It’s about balance.” Still, students like senior Ryan Bernal felt confused. “For me, it means we’re all the same—American,” he said, echoing concerns that the caution might go too far.
The controversy has sparked broader conversations about national pride, inclusion, and free expression. As Mike Garrison of the California Interscholastic Federation put it, “There’s a time and place.” Now, the school community—and many beyond it—are grappling with how to celebrate unity without making anyone feel left out.
