What good does an institution do when it teaches people to think but prohibits them from doing so? When it encourages standing for what you believe in but shouts, "Sit down!" when you do? When it teaches you about dozens of wars but denies you the freedoms thousands have died in protecting? What this institution does is restrict thought, silence those who speak up, and ultimately deny the freedoms we have fought and continue to fight for. Simple rules need be implemented to establish and maintain order? Yes, but these freedoms exist to establish order, and when they are denied for the sake of maintaining it, then the system is dreadfully flawed. In fact, there is a title for such a system- totalitarianism. Does it seem I speak of Russia or some other far away country? In truth I refer to school- this school. This school denies us the right to wear anything expressing our opinions, proclaiming what we stand for, or even stating our beliefs. Since when has having an opinion and letting others know it hurt anyone? True, many may disagree with it, but that is their own choice, one they are as much entitled to as you are to your own. When supporting a less popular, but just as valid point of view, opposition and verbal battery come as a given, but abuse from the administration does not. Uncalled for rudeness should not come from those meant to educate and mentor.