Posted on 04/01/2006 10:12:20 AM PST by Sub-Driver
Colo. School Bans Flags Amid Protests Principal Says Students Used Flags To Taunt Others
(CBS) LONGMONT, Colo. Dozens of high school students protested a temporary school policy forbidding students from displaying the U.S. flag, as well as flags from other countries, amid racial tensions following immigration rallies.
Skyline High School Principal Tom Stumpf said American flags were brazenly waved in the faces of Hispanic students and in one case a Mexican flag was thrown into the face of another student.
"When it involves the American flag and its abuse in vilifying other people, we simply will not tolerate it," Stumpf said. "They were using the symbol derisively as misguided patriotism."
Students were warned about the policy Friday and several were suspended, although Stumpf would not provide details. Then, about 100 students protested during lunch time.
Student Dustin Carlson told the KCNC-TV, the CBS station in Denver, that he was suspended for two days.
"I'm getting suspended for it and personally I think that's uncalled for," he said. "If this country means freedom, then why can't we fly our own flag? It's ridiculous."
(Excerpt) Read more at wcbstv.com ...
The folks here are too much. If you noticed he banned all flags. By the way, when did students start bringing flags to school anyway. -Mom, I have my lunch, my books, my doctors excuse for yesterday and yeah well is my flag -Thats not a noraml thing so please stop all the bogus rah rah patriotism. This principal is right on. Yeah I hate seeing all the MExican flags but a kid takes an American flag and shoves in another kids face in a taunting manner and yall think its a good thing. I wouldnt want a kid shoving a mexican flag in my kids face.
The principal is doing what is right here. I wish people could remember how he were in High school. We were short sighted, and at times very cruel. Most of us here when we think back shrink in a little bit of horror how we treated others. KIds can be the cruelest folks. I remember when I was in high school we had a "racial incident". The whole town was in a uproar a big white black fight. All the adults couldnt see what was going on but the kids did. It s was just a stupid fight not some political or really racial dispute.
The principal banned all flags because they could be used to taunt is actually doing the right thing and prob nipped a problem in the bud. INstead of condemming him give the guy a raise.
I understand.
Principal was correct. Using flags to taunt others or for any reason short of rendering respect is wrong no matter who does it. Patriotism begins with demonstrating respect for our flag, not in using it as a weapon to put down others with whom you do not agree.
I guess it's a given that the kids in this school do NOT start the day with the Pledge of Allegiance...
I saw the principal interviewed on TV this morning & he was spouting a whole line that the US flag caused "provocation" and "racial tension" and other hogwash.
I hope the parents in that school district get into this ASAP.
I heard an interview with this idiot school Principal...he actually sounded disgusted that students would hold American flags to offset the ones holding Mexican flags...
I believe they were demonstrating respect for our flag. That's what got them into trouble.
He should go to mejico to teach.
Um. It's gotten to the point where the AMERICAN FLAG ALONE is an insult to too many people!
You don't ban the flag as a response, you punish the kids that acted up not the flag.
They can't waive the US Flag but the principal would probably approve them burning. Next he will not want to teach US History (unless negative to the country) for fear of upsetting the illegals!!
When will common sense prevail? Never because of a legal system run amok!!
At least he isn't as bad as the Principal of a Houston school...that decided it would a good idea to fly the Mexican flag under the American on the school flagpole.
Who gets to judge how I'm waving the flag? There are millions of so-called Americans who feel taunted every time they see Old Glory.
There is no more appropriate way to wave the US flag than in the face of its enemies.
stop making sense. you could never work in academia.
"They can't waive the US Flag "
Uh...I think the word you're looking for is "wave." "Waive" means something very different than what you're trying to say.
Me? I'd never "waive" the flag. It's far too important a symbol of our nation.
Now thats something to get upset about. That principal should have severe punishiment. To me this is a different case and is appropriate since he is on the ground there. But I hope that case with that principal in Houston should be followed up
The problem is that it's mere presence taunts those that hate this country.
Shoving it in someone's face is hardly a demonstration of respect.
No. Tell me no....I missed that one.
Did the guy ban the flag on the pole outside the school? Or from the auditorium? Cuz that would be different.
But banning it because the kids are in essence misusing it, is ok.
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