(NewsNation) — Parents and students gathered in the parking lot of a high school in Edmond, Oklahoma, with flags mounted on their vehicles — in response to a student who was told by the school that he couldn’t fly the American flag from his truck.
Caleb Horst, a senior in high school, says, “I’ve never really had problems with it before, and it’s our First Amendment right, so it’s kind of hard for them to infringe upon our rights.”
At least 100 vehicles showed up Monday morning at Edmond North High School to speak out against the school’s flag policy.
The Edmond Public Schools district prohibits all types of flags on vehicles, saying it is a long-standing practice to prevent possible disruptions. The policy is also implemented in an effort to provide a safe school environment, as flying flags on vehicles creates safety issues in the parking lot and can cause damage to other vehicles, the district said.
“To be clear, this is not about the American flag or patriotism. Edmond Public Schools proudly displays the American flag prominently and in the proper, respectful way outside each of our buildings and in our classrooms,” Jeff Bardach, EPS public information officer, said.
“Not only do we recite the Pledge of Allegiance every morning as we start our school day, but we also present the colors and play the national anthem at most of our athletic events. All of these things are done in the proper fashion according to flag etiquette,” Bardach continued.
Horst said the American flag should be an exception to the policy.
“One thing they said was if they let me fly that flag they have to let everyone fly whatever flag they want,” he said. “I think it’s dumb because it’s an American flag, not the Confederate flag or the Pride flag. It’s a flag we’re all united on.”
In response to the controversy, four state lawmakers from the Edmond area sent a letter to Edmond Superintendent Angela Grunewald’s office, urging administrators to reconsider their position on student displays of the American flag.
On Monday, community members at the rally spoke out about why they felt the policy was unjust.
Hort’s friend, Logan Dahle, was one of those supporting him.
“It’s unity for us all. It should not be one group that claims the flag. We all should claim the flag, have pride in that flag. And that’s why we should fly it whenever we want. We should be able to hoist it up and support it,” Dahle said.
“If it’s the flag today, what is it tomorrow?” Lynn McNeely, a parent of an Edmond North student, said. “It’s not a protest. It’s not political. It’s not about red. It’s not about blue. It’s about red, white and blue. So, where do we draw the line?”
Another parent, Brigette Burleson, said the flag isn’t a political statement and she’s proud that her child and others are proud patriots.
“I’m upset about it. I’m appalled. I don’t know what to make of it. It’s shocking to me that I live in Edmond and there is a stink about the American flag at our school,” she said. “It’s a symbol of America. It’s unity. It’s our freedom flag. I’m shocked. I don’t know what to say. It’s crazy.”
