DeSoto Independent School District

September 21, 2016
As our nation struggles with very real issues, we in DeSoto ISD are teaching our children they
have avenues to express themselves and that includes the First Amendment. We recognize
the right of all members of our organization to express their views or to protest against
actions or opinions with which they disagree.
Conversations held prior to the team display included teachable moments with players and
staff about why we as Americans stand for the National Anthem, the possible outcomes of
community discord and the individuals being able to articulate why they were choosing to
kneel and how they are seeking for solutions to the issues they were protesting.
This is in no way exclusive of the respect we have for our members of the armed forces and
those who have fought to provide that freedom. The fact of the matter is that these young
adults want a country that is even better – one that upholds the rights of every man, women,
and child equally.
In addition, we have an amazing relationship with our local law enforcement and have
recently held several community events to maintain those open lines of communication
between the citizens of our community including our ISD parents, students and staff with the
DeSoto Police Department and the City of DeSoto.
This was a peaceful, non-confrontational action for our young adults to communicate their
frustrations and fears for events taking place beyond DeSoto. We respect their right to do so.

Sincerely,

Dr. David C. Harris
DeSoto ISD Superintendent

The mission of DeSoto ISD is to prepare each student academically and socially to be
a problem solver and productive citizen for a 21 st century global society.
200 East Belt Line Road, DeSoto, Texas 75115 ● 972.223.6666 ● www.desotoisd.org
Dr. David C. Harris, Superintendent ● superintendent@desotoisd.org