Representatives of the McDonald's Corporation came to the Stonington High School auditorium to offer "career guidance" to a captive audience of students.

The sheer derision of a public school holding a mandatory corporate assembly was not lost on Tristan Kading who, at 15 years old, was already a dedicated anti-corporate / anti-police brutality activist. When the speaker from McD's asked for volunteers to undergo mock job interviews, Tristan rose his hand. On stage, rather than playing along and pretending he wanted a job, Kading used the moment to express what a distasteful corporation McDonald's is. He pointed out how the company contributes to deforestation with its "farming" practices and lies to the public about the ingredients in its food.

Kading was removed from the assembly and intimidated by his principal into writing apologies to the corporate sponsors. He was also forced to read over the school intercom an apology to the student body. It's the latter action that has sparked an important debate over free speech in the public schools.

Media Barrier: Kading's actions made the papers and radio talk shows in Connecticut and surrounding areas. Included in the national attention the event received was a four minute piece on National Public Radio's Morning Edition.

Additional information:

Forced Apology Sparks Debate (6/3/01)

McBullies In Stonington (6/5/01)

Want Fries With That Humiliation? (6/14/01)

Stonington Student Deserves Apology (6/18/01)

School Censorship (NPR 6/18/01)