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They also said they will not comment on the suspension of any student, citing privacy.

How did we get to this point, though, and when does a school cross the line when it comes to forwarding social movements and risk trampling one’s right to freedom of speech?

The rainbow poppy campaign started in the UK, after the Legions there started selling poppies with all manner of associations, including soccer clubs — which is disrespectful in and of itself. The aftermarket push was met with great resistance there and hit its stride after someone recently came across a rainbow poppy for sale on eBay and went off on it.

Regardless, in Canada, there is no deviation from the red and black poppy, in fact the Royal Canadian Legion strongly enforces its trademark over the use of the poppy.

The poppy is simple and all-inclusive. It was never meant to divide. It represents all of those who died fighting for Canada in all military actions. Not just straight soldiers.

Canada’s military has a long, tarnished history when it comes to its LGBTQ positions. Up until 1992 the community could not serve in the armed forces and those that were discovered were investigated and kicked out. Canada is far from the only country with this history and has been far more progressive on the matter than our neighbours to the south.

Those fighting that internal battle with the Canadian government for the right to serve, however, were not fighting to wear a different uniform. They were not fighting for special treatment. They were fighting to be treated equally with every other Canadian who enlists.