This Man Tried to Ask A Simple Question About Common Core and Got Roughed Up by Security Instead

A man was arrested for non-violently expressing his opinion at a town hall Common Core meeting. Robert Small, 46, voiced his frustration with the educational standards mandated by the Common Core. According to Fox News, the public forum was held by the Maryland State Department of Education to describe the updated K-12 standards, backed by the federal government and adopted by 45 states. Board members requested that parents write down their questions, but Small couldn't resist being vocal about his at the meeting.

Small was charged with disturbing school operations, second degree assault, a $2,500 fine, and faces up to 10 years in prison for assaulting an officer.

Is this really an example of second degree assault and deserving of 10 years in prison?

All charges have been now dropped, as the Huffington Post reports.

Small is a parent of two kids who are part of Baltimore's area public schools. He believes that people were acting like "cattle" by sitting back and allowing the school board to prepare children for "community college" rather than receiving quality education.

The manner in which this man was treated for exercising his First Amendment is outrageous and unacceptable. It's fair to acknowledge that parents were asked to write down their questions instead of voicing them, but the aggressive behavior of the off-duty police officer and the complacency of the crowd should trigger feelings of discomfort and despondency.

As he was forcibly led out the door in handcuffs, he motivates parents stating, "Parents, take control. I'm not an activist, I'm a parent. I have a right to speak."

A Facebook open group, Don't Be Cattle! Fight Common Core!, has been created on behalf of Small's honorable stand against the Common Core.