Dad fires back at teacher allegedly mocking his daughter for wearing American flag sweater

SURREY, CANADA: A father has spoken out after his daughter was allegedly criticized by a school teacher for wearing an American flag sweater. The teacher reportedly accused Arya Elston of supporting a dictatorship.

Chris Elston, known online as Billboard Chris, shared the incident on social media, expressing outrage over the exchange at his daughter’s South Surrey school.

Arya was reportedly wearing a Brandy Melville navy sweater featuring the American flag when a teacher questioned her clothing choice.

Father responds after daughter allegedly mocked

Elston posted on X that he had just picked up Arya from school when he learned about the interaction. “I have just learned that a teacher asked what she was doing wearing this today, and literally accused her of supporting a dictatorship,” he wrote. “Another teacher witnessed this and asked my daughter if she was okay afterwards. We will not tolerate this abusive language. Complaint incoming.”

In a follow-up, Elston noted that the teacher had known Arya for years. He contacted the teacher directly, and an emailed response suggested the matter had been resolved.

The teacher wrote, “I understand your concern and had already planned on touching base with Arya on Monday before receiving your email. I know Arya is an upstanding student and I have had a positive relationship as a teacher and a coach with her for many years. In all honesty, the comment I made about the American flag was done flippantly and without thinking. In no way was I intentionally trying to upset or embarrass Arya, but I see how it could be received. I do not want Arya to feel that my comment was a calculated attack on her, I did not mean it to be. I will seek Arya out on Monday.”

Elston responded online: “Problem solved. Professionally. God bless America and Canada.”

Chris Elston’s activism and free speech battle

Elston has previously drawn attention for his activism and online posts. He made headlines as a children’s safety campaigner and for challenging Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, after one of his posts was deemed “degrading” cyber abuse.

The Administrative Appeals Tribunal later ruled in Elston’s favor, stating the post did not meet the legal definition of cyber abuse. Paul Coleman, executive director of ADF International, called it a victory for free speech.

Elston said, “It provides a safe road map for free speech in Australia — and around the world.” He emphasized his intent was to encourage debate, not harm others.

Elston has indicated that complaints have been filed and that he will continue to defend his daughter against any perceived mistreatment in school.