For Leftist Educators, American Flag Too Controversial

Student fights write-up for showing U.S. flag

By Greg Moran
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
April 13, 2006

A small American flag, tucked into the back right-hand pocket of her pants.

And for that, the Fallbrook High School sophomore was stopped by a security officer, taken to an assistant principal's office and written up in an incident report that was placed in her student file.

Malia, who is an honors student, said she was shocked, then dismayed at what she believes was a violation of her free speech rights on March 31.

She and her mother contacted the American Civil Liberties Union of San Diego & Imperial Counties, and the ACLU dispatched a letter to district officials demanding that they remove the report from Malia's file.

The ACLU also is demanding that the district fashion a policy that conforms to long-standing law allowing students the right to express themselves on campus. If the district does not agree, a federal civil rights suit will be filed on behalf of Malia, said Kevin Keenan, the ACLU executive director in San Diego.

“I didn't think it was right,” Malia, 15, said of the school's actions.

Officials with the school district, which is on spring break this week, did not respond to phone messages and e-mails seeking comment.

Malia said other students also were told to put flags away, including a friend who was told one day before Malia's encounter to put away an American flag bandana.

Seeing that spurred Malia – after talking it over with her mother, Nikki Fontana – to take the small flag to school the next day.

That was the week of emotional student demonstrations across the county over proposed revisions to immigration laws. In Oceanside on March 29 student protesters faced off with police and hurled milk cartons and other objects, prompting officers to respond with pepper spray.

So this is what we've come to? American citizens are no longer allowed to brandish the Stars and Stripes because it is may be "offensive" to some students. The American flag, the symbol of our nation, the emblem for which millions have fought and died throughout our history is now too controversial for students to wear at school.

These Liberal educators need to be fired. We don't need a bunch of America haters indoctrinating our children.

If their are any students who find the American flag offensive, perhaps the INS should be informed of their presence.

How can brandishing our national symbol be considered a form of intimidation? Only those whose loyalties are divided or who have loyalty to a foreign country, such as Mexico, should be offended by the waving of our flag.

If you are offended, then I say to you, "Leave!" You weren't invited here in the first place. If our nation is so reprehensible, if you so dislike our culture, then get out. No one is keeping you here. You are not a prisoner of the United States government, so take a hike, hit the road, go back to your beloved homeland-wherever that may be-otherwise, SHUT-UP!

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