High school football game canceled after cheerleaders held pro-Trump banner

A high school football game was reportedly canceled after cheerleaders were placed on probation for holding a pro-Trump sign.

The school district, Stanly County Schools in North Carolina, tweeted that it “has been notified of additional information that could compromise safety measures in place for sporting events.”

“Upon receiving information, the NSHS football game scheduled for 9/20/19 is canceled. Safety is our first concern,” the district added, referring to North Stanly High School where the cheerleaders held the banner.

SCS has been notified of additional information that could compromise safety measures in place for sporting events. Upon receiving information, the NSHS football game scheduled for 9/20/19 is canceled. Safety is our first concern. https://t.co/jxIBaqzNjx pic.twitter.com/pChtIO0xMX

— Stanly Co. Schools (@StanlySchools) September 20, 2019

Cheerleaders a the school were placed on probation by the North Carolina High School Athletic Association after holding the banner at a recent football game.

The Charlotte Observer reported that the terms of the probation were not clearly defined and that the squad was expected to continue cheerleading.

Reaction to the probation was mixed although Rep. Richard Hudson (R-N.C.) said he was “concerned” that students were “being punished for exercising their First Amendment right to free speech.”

As Stanly Co's Congressman, I am concerned our students are being punished for exercising their First Amendment right to free speech.

I look forward to joining @trish_regan tonight on “Trish Regan Primetime” at 8 PM to discuss my efforts to defend our First Amendment rights! https://t.co/nRatDYtIAq

— Richard Hudson (@RepRichHudson) September 19, 2019