A California high school stirred up controversy after students were told not to chant “USA” during sporting events and rallies.

Students at Vista Del Lago High School in Folsom, California, often chanted “USA” as a way to show

pride during games and rallies. Now, school officials have asked that the students not chant, as it could come across as intolerant.

“I wasn’t angry, but I was definitely like, ‘Why can’t we chant USA?’” senior Ryan Bernal told KOVR.

“To say USA, you know, we’re all the same. We’re all American. It doesn’t matter what your skin tone is or where you’re from.”

Staff at the high school brought the topic to students’ attention during a leadership class.

Daniel Thigpen, the Folsom Cordova Unified Communications Director, said, “To practice empathy,

to practice kindness and to practice patriotism. You can do both.”

KOVR noted that in some schools across the country, the “USA” chant has been used

in a derogatory manner toward people of different ethnicities.

“There’s a time and a place to yell that and cheer that,” said Mike Garrison of the California Interscholastic Federation.