iStockphoto / JozPics
A scandal is brewing in America’s heartland after administrators at Edmond North High School in Oklahoma have banned a student from flying an American flag out of his truck, a move that has received condemnation from the community prompting local protests and pushback from politicians.
To be clear, Caleb Horst who is a senior at Edmond North High School didn’t just start flying the American flag from his truck. Horst said “I’ve been flying it for quite a while” and added “I’ve never really had problems with it before, and it’s our First Amendment, so it’s kind of hard for them to infringe upon our rights.”
Caleb Horst says he was informed by officials at the school last week that he can no longer fly the flag from his truck. That story was picked up by local KOCO News, thespun, and others, and has since evolved into a national story with Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters releasing a video saying kids in Oklahoma should not be punished for being patriotic:
Kids in Oklahoma should be allowed to display the American flag and not be punished for being patriotic. New guidelines will be issued concerning the flag and honoring our country. pic.twitter.com/RcGo8Aogu5
— Superintendent Ryan Walters (@RyanWaltersSupt) August 26, 2024
Locals have turned out to protest the high school’s decision to ban students from displaying Old Glory from their trucks in the parking lot:
Edmond North (Oklahoma) high school students and parents stand united against @EdmondSchools after asking a senior to remove his American flag from his vehicle. @RyanWaltersSupt we know you support the student at this point and we are watching you. Do you support Patriotic… pic.twitter.com/u07WIl9teQ
— • ᗰISᑕᕼIᗴᖴ ™ • (@4Mischief) August 26, 2024
In response to backlash from the public, officials from Edmond Public Schools released the following statement last week:
“It is the practice of Edmond Public Schools to not permit students to fly or bring flags of any kind on our school campuses. This practice has been in place for several years and is explained to our students at the start of the school year along with various other policies and procedures. This is designed to prevent disruptions and distractions during the school day. It is also done in an effort to provide a safe school environment as flying flags on vehicles creates safety issues in the parking lot as well as can cause damage to other vehicles.”
“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. 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.”
How is it not about the American flag? Also, it’s not as if he’s tucked a flag pole into his shirt and is carrying it around the hallways.
From the outside looking in, this is 100% about control. Adults exerting control over teenagers’ right to express patriotism. A classic case of bureaucrats exerting power, perceived or otherwise, over a vulnerable group who is unable to stand up for themselves.
In this case, it’s great to see the community rally around this student. We should be looking for ways as a society to come together instead of dividing further and being able to proudly display patriotism is a good place to start.