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NH Principal Apologizes For Asking Student To Cover Up MAGA Shirt

EPPING, N.H. (CBS) - An Epping, New Hampshire, high school principal has apologized for asking a student to cover up her Trump shirt.

Freshman Ciretta MacKenzie was called to the principal's office during the high school's America Day and asked to cover up her "Make America Great Again T-shirt.

Ciretta MacKenzie trump T-shirt
Ciretta MacKenzie's Trump T-shirt. (Photo credit: Ciretta MacKenzie)

On Friday, Principal Brian Ernest sent out a letter to the school community, which stated, "I want our students to be free thinkers and be able to express their opinions in a respectful manner."

Ernest said he had met with MacKenzie's family and apologized for the incident.

"We have begun to draft a plan to move forward to promote civil discourse and diversity in our schools. In retrospect, I want to fully acknowledge my error in judgment and sincerely apologize if my actions were misinterpreted and offended anyone. That was never my intention."

Epping Superintendent Valerie McKenney sent a district-wide letter stating, "The Epping School Board and Epping District's position is that this event should not ever have taken place, and we are committed to the creation of a school environment that promotes open and free thought and dialogue."

MacKenzie's mother said the family is not angry about the issue and believes Ernest's apology was sincere.

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