Posted on 03/31/2006 1:57:51 PM PST by Millee
More than two dozen students walked out of Skyline High School Friday morning to protest what they say is a ban that doesn't allow the American flag to be flown on school grounds.
Several students said that they were upset that Mexican flags can be waved around but that American flags couldn't. They said that school officials confiscated their American flags because it has become inflammatory because of recent immigration issues.
"When the immigration laws came out we noticed that a lot of Hispanics were waving Mexican flags and what we were thinking to ourselves is like, isn't the immigration law to stay in the country? You want to stay in America, correct? So I said, for every Mexican flag, you should have an American flag right next to it. So a few people went out and started waving American flags, and that's where everything bridged out," said Skyline student R.J. Fogal. "That's when they started telling us that we can't wave American flags, there's going to be no flags today, or everyone is going to be suspended -- whoever carries a flag."
"What we want to know is since when was it against the rules to have an American flag on a car, in a car, in your hands in a school?" said student William Cassity.
Skyline principal Tom Stumpf said that the school enacted a ban this week that prohibits students to display, wear or fly any flag -- American or Mexican.
"The (policy) evolved because the flags were being used, not as a symbol of cultural heritage, but the flags were being used as symbols of bigotry, a symbol of hostility. They were being used to inflame different groups and we're simply not going to tolerate that at Skyline High School," Stumpf said.
"My paramount obligation, my solemn obligation at Skyline High School, is to provide a safe and secure environment and with the flags being used as a catalyst to stir up the students, to stir up the environment, I cannot condone that ... One flag was thrown into the face of another group and another flag was being brandished in front of another group and it was done to raise emotions, and we don't want that. We want respect -- that's our main goal at Skyline High School," he said.
The school has a diverse population and some students say there have been tensions between different ethnic groups because of the national immigration debate.
"I think our whole society is on different sides of the immigration issue and I can't control that. All I'm asking from our students is respect -- respect for one another, treating each other as they themselves want to be treated, treating each other decently, civilly," Stumpf said.
He said the students have a right to rally and those who walked out of class on Friday would not be punished.
Yeah... Liberals would ban you for life.
And this is bad........how???
Got my flag on the front of the house. It's appropriately illuminated at night by a dusk to dawn sensor activated L.E.D. spotlight so I'm paying virtually nothing to keep it lit (rather than $5/month, $60/year, to keep the halogen light on it all night).
Just don't let the liberals take over all of the nice places in the states, like the Rockies.
We're trying in this household! Now, if I WERE a good lib, I could register the dogs, my dead relatives, yada yada yada to vote too!
:)
"Someone does it again and I will install a flag pole in the front yard and run it up with a steel cable if need be."
Wouldn't hurt to electrify it too!
Student Stabbed at Rally in VAhttp://www.dailypress.com/news/local/virginia/dp-dc-brf--immigrationpr0331mar31,0,3593254.story?coll=dp-headlines-virginia
"I'm amazed that there are real live American students in the school."
Only a little "more than 2 dozen students".. sad. But I'm proud of them just the same. Is this still America.. I'm not that sure anymore. The school systems, politics, you name it, all are infected and infested with socialists.
Hmmmmmn.
I guess educating students isn't very important.
Compared to "respect" and "diversity."
Congrats!
Maybe to him, "respect and diversity" does not include Americans. Unless, of course, they are blame America first Liberals.
Dear God I wish the adults would get a backbone.
This is a civil suit waiting to happen, and I hope it does.
Good for these kids
Thanks for the ping.
LOL!
I think I just figured out your screen name, and I love it!
FReep-at-riot!
Good choice.
:-D
If you're taking flak, you are over the target.
:-)
CAn't be sure it isn't just kids, but if I am right over the target, this target will shoot back ;-)
All FReepers should be flying the American flag outside their businesses and homes .......
Been flying mine for 30+ years ...
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