Eighth Grader's Eye Paint Deemed 'Blackface', Leads to Ban and Suspension; Rights Group Defends Student

FIRE Argues Student's Face Paint Was Athletic Tradition, Not Racial Insult; Calls for Reversal of School's Decision

An eighth grade student in California, identified as J.A., has been banned from all athletic events and suspended after the eye paint he wore to a high school football game was deemed 'blackface' by Muirland Middle School Principal Jeff Luna.
J.A.'s face paint was said to be offensive due to Morse High School's 'largely black' student population. The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) has criticized Luna's action as a violation of the eighth grader's First Amendment rights.
FIRE's director of public advocacy, Aaron Terr, argued that J.A.'s 'appearance emulated the style of eye black worn by many athletes' and had no racial connotations. He added that there was no evidence that J.A.’s face paint caused a disruption at the football game or at school afterward.
FIRE has called on the school to remove the infraction from J.A.'s disciplinary record and lift the ban on his attendance at future athletic events. They have requested a response from the Muirland Middle School by Nov. 22.
A second letter has been sent to the San Diego Unified School District following the district's decision to deny a request to overturn J.A.'s suspension.