Colorado School Bans Peyton Manning Jersey

Here is another case of stupid zero tolerance policies in schools. Students in Greeley, Colorado have been told that they can't wear Peyton Manning's Bronco jersey because the number 18 represents a gang number. According to FOX News:

“They told me I couldn’t wear 18 anymore because it’s a gang number and I had to take it off,” said Konnor Vanatta during an interview with FOX31 Denver on Tuesday.

Vanatta, a third grader in the Weld County School System, was disappointed to learn that the number 18 is considered to represent gang affiliations and is not allowed on clothing inside county classrooms.

“I’m pretty upset the schools have come down to this and I think they need to start paying attention to the education the children are getting rather than what they’re wearing,” added Pam Vanatta, the student’s mother.

A spokesperson for Weld County District 6 explained the policy has been around for more than three years and applies to the numbers 13, 14,18, 31, 41 and 81.

“We’re Broncos fans ourselves; it has nothing to do with that. We’re just wanting to set a consistent solid, example,” said district spokesperson Roger Fiedler.

Give me a break. I would think that schools and teachers could think for themselves and would be able to tell whether or not someone is just a fan or a gang member. How can we expect kids to be able to think for themselves when our schools can't? Zero Tolerance Policies are just stupid and created out of fear. They only provide a false sense of security.