NEWS RELEASE
Contact – Nancy Herbert – Public Information Director
Phone 303-683-7213 Fax – 303-682-7396
**********For Immediate Release**********
March 31, 2006
On Thursday, March 30, 2006, an incident occurred in the parking lot of Skyline High School which arose out of the events of the past week regarding the public debate over the immigration bills pending in Congress and in the state legislature.
Two students, who had been previously informed by administration of the inappropriateness of their behavior, were driving in a vehicle and were seen taunting and intimidating other students. They utilized the flag of the United States in a harassing, intimidating, and inflammatory manner. In the opinion of the administration, the manner in which the flag was being utilized could have lead to physical confrontations and a disruption of the educational process.
The District has adopted and adheres to its Board Policy IMDB which provides, in pertinent part, that “individuals shall have the right to reasonably display the flag of the United States on their own or personal property as long as such display does not disrupt the educational process or cause a safety concern.” The US flag continues to be publicly displayed at Skyline High School and all District facilities.
The District recognizes and values the First Amendment Rights of all students to express their opinions, but it has always reserved the right to place limitations on the time, place, and manner of such expression on school grounds so that it does not interfere with the educational process or cause any safety concerns. Skyline High School students exercised their First Amendment Rights, Friday March 31, 2006 over the lunch hour by participating in a patriotic rally off school grounds.
Individuals representing varying opinions related to political issues may properly display a flag peacefully on school premises. However, it is not permitted to use any flag or other patriotic symbol in a harassing or unacceptable manner. The safety of all students is of paramount importance to the District.
The District respects the professional judgment and discretion of those who are close to the situation and who have a better understanding of the emotions that are running very high this week among the students at Skyline High School. During spring break which commences at the close of business today, the District will review the policy and the situation.
What the flying F#$!@ !?!
The Flag of THIS NATION! The UNITED STATES of AMERICA, CAN AND WILL BE FLOWN on OUR NATIONAL property ANY TIME ANY WHERE! And God help the poor dumb bastards that say otherwise!