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Rebel flag has no place in education
bristolnews ^ | Dec 8, 2003 | ed

Posted on 12/10/2003 1:44:31 PM PST by stainlessbanner

The rebel flag is no longer appropriate attire for students at Sullivan East High School. The same rule means the banner can't be flown from the backs of pickup trucks, waved at sporting events or displayed on school property.

Mary Rouse, principal of the rural school east of Bristol Tennessee, recently banned the "Stars and Bars" from campus. She wouldn't talk about her decision, but her boss has said it came after some students complained they felt harassed or intimidated by displays of the racially-charged symbol.

"Principals can say they don't want rebel flags at their school," County Schools Director John O'Dell explained.

The reason is simple, according to O'Dell. School principals have a right to outlaw any symbols, clothing or displays that disrupt the learning environment or may be used to intimidate others.

The Confederate flag is one such symbol. At the very least, it's divisive and to some, it symbolizes hatred and slavery.

The flag's supporters, including many in this region whose ancestors fought on behalf of Dixie, are quick to argue that the Civil War had more to do with state's rights than with slavery. They see the banner as a point of pride.

But not everyone shares that interpretation. In recent years, the Confederate flag has come to be associated with white supremacist groups and others who clearly mean it as a symbol of intimidation.

It's true the 1st Amendment gives Americans a right to display the controversial flag in many settings. If anyone wants to paint it on the top of his mobile home, he can do so. If the local chapter of the Sons or Daughters of the Confederacy wants to decorate Civil War soldiers' graves with the flag, that's OK too.

But that freedom doesn't make it acceptable to wear the flag or display it in our schools. All students -- no matter their race -- have a right to study biology, English and algebra in an environment free from intimidation or distraction. It's the reason that private schools, and some forward-thinking public schools, have adopted uniforms or strict dress codes.

At East High School, the flag has been a symptom of a much greater problem with racial tensions. In the most public and severe incident, a group of white students took part in a mock-lynching of a black student a few years back. The ensuing federal lawsuit was only recently settled and the school system was required to set up sensitivity training as a result.

The ban on the rebel flag at East High School needs to be permanent and it needs to be extended to all schools in the county, some of which still condone display of the banner. For that matter, all schools in our region would do well to consider a similar policy change.

It's time to move beyond a war that was fought more than a century ago. Instead of holding on to symbols that divide us, we ought to seek ones that unite us. Only by doing so, can we work together as a united community for a better future.


TOPICS: Editorial; US: Tennessee
KEYWORDS: confederate; dixie; dresscodes; editorial; flag; ignorant
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To: stainlessbanner
Government schools have no place in a free society.
41 posted on 12/10/2003 8:36:58 PM PST by Eris
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To: stainlessbanner
The Confederate flag is one such symbol. At the very least, it's divisive and to some, it symbolizes hatred and slavery...

That's what the DNC logo symbolizes to me.


It makes me think of anti-American hate filled mongrels. A very disturbing image.

42 posted on 12/10/2003 10:29:09 PM PST by TigersEye ("Where there is life there is hope!" - Terri Schiavo)
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To: Eris
Government schools have no place in a free society.

You nailed it! And on your first day in skool tew. Welcome to Free Republic!

43 posted on 12/10/2003 10:36:04 PM PST by TigersEye ("Where there is life there is hope!" - Terri Schiavo)
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To: TigersEye
Thanks. :)
44 posted on 12/10/2003 10:39:12 PM PST by Eris
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To: afuturegovernor
I guess the school has banned the years of 1861-1865 from American history classes.

Well,,, since they don't teach real history anymore, I guess they figured they don't need to teach anything that let up to the war or about the war. I think that ALL history is important!

45 posted on 12/11/2003 5:50:37 AM PST by SCDogPapa (In Dixie Land I'll take my stand to live and die in Dixie)
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To: SCDogPapa
JUDICIAL JIHAD
Judge rules Islamic education
OK in California classrooms
Dismisses suit opposing requirement
students recite Quran, pray to Allah!

Read the entire story at www.worldnetdaily.com
46 posted on 12/13/2003 10:16:45 AM PST by OPS4
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Comment #47 Removed by Moderator


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