American flag shirts banned in California school

[Lepplady]

A federal court ruled Thursday that a northern California high school did not violate the constitutional rights of its students when school officials made them turn their American flag T-shirts inside out on Cinco de Mayo or be sent home due to fears of racial violence.
Read the whole story.

 

[Moderator]

If I remember correctly, at one time--and not so long ago--people weren't allowed to have the flag on their clothing regardless of the situation because it was considered disrespectful.

 

[fushingfeef]

A federal court ruled Thursday that a northern California high school did not violate the constitutional rights of its students when school officials made them turn their American flag T-shirts inside out on Cinco de Mayo or be sent home due to fears of racial violence.
Read the whole story.

This saddens me that the flag is once again being used and manipulated, but schools have been setting attire rules for years, deciding what is and what isn't allowed. Minors don't get the same treatment as adults, also consider that most workplaces have attire rules as well, private clubs, restaurants, etc. The judge's decision is probably correct by the letter of the law.

 

[hossenpepper]

Hmmm... not sure what I think of this froma philosophical standpoint. Legally speaking, the precedent of minors not having full 1A rights has come up before and the courts have said kids are not protected in the same ways, so I am sure it passes muster legally.

This is one of those sticky areas where I suddenly become kind of conservative. I am very staunch on immigration and assimilation. It seems t me alarger problem is what the hell is wrong in those Latino communities that these kids would get violent over American flag t-shirts on Cinco de Mayo. Obviously, if this was such an at large concern, there is evidence that supports the idea that perhaps they aren't passing on a better level of respect for the US and favoring their original culture over the one where they have come to live (or have for some generations). I think that is a real issue that needs to be addressed and openly discussed.

I would say this just as much about some average suburban white kids trashing a Latino's house for brandishing a Mexican flag on 4th of July. Cultural tolerance goes both ways.

 

[Lepplady]

Maybe my view is a simple, naive one. This is America, Jack. Deal with the flag or jump back over the border.

 

[mjs9153]

This is the kind of nonsense that makes my vision go red..look America is supposed to be the place of freedom of speech and thought,and our flag especially to me is a symbol of that..I have no probs with cinco de mayo or whatever but jeezus,when I hear that free speech or thought must be taken down to avoid "offending" a group or person..well that is not too far from communist thought,that we must all toe the line..

 

[Agincourt Concierge]

This is the kind of nonsense that makes my vision go red..look America is supposed to be the place of freedom of speech and thought,and our flag especially to me is a symbol of that..I have no probs with cinco de mayo or whatever but jeezus,when I hear that free speech or thought must be taken down to avoid "offending" a group or person..well that is not too far from communist thought,that we must all toe the line..

indeed ...

What country do we live in ???? Last I checked we still lived in the United States of America ..... this is the flag that represents OUR country ...

All my family members came from Canada or Greece .... yet the flag above was the one they displayed in their homes ...

Welcome to America .... okay .... you want to celebrate Cinco de Mayo .... go for it .... shame on the school system that wants to step on the rights some students over others ....

 

[Agincourt Concierge]

If I remember correctly, at one time--and not so long ago--people weren't allowed to have the flag on their clothing regardless of the situation because it was considered disrespectful.

you are very much correct Ms. Mod .... wearing a US flag patch on your rump pocket was disrectful ....

 

[GNTLGNT]

...last I looked, this was America-the United States, and our national symbol is Old Glory....and to curtail it's wearing on clothing , or it's display because it might offend someone is a perversion of all those who fought and died for our right to display it how we want-and those that still serve to keep her waving...I have no issues with the flags of other nations and would respect them when there, we shouldn't have to be concerned about a return of the courtesy...if I were of Mexican/Hispanic heritage, I would be more offended by bars and restaurants trying to turn a buck off of my heritage-not whether Junior wore a flag t-shirt to school...

 

[Frank-ly realistic]

If I remember correctly, at one time--and not so long ago--people weren't allowed to have the flag on their clothing regardless of the situation because it was considered disrespectful.

I remember a time when rough bikers (motorcyclists) wore a huge, giant flag on the back of there jacket (what was the name of that Peter Fonda movie?)

 

[ghost19]

Welcome to PC America. Anyone who gets their feelings hurt gets the grease. Wouldn't it be nice if the Supreme Court issued a statement, something to the effect of "We're not going to issue any 10 page statement on this. This is America, we have a national flag. For whatever reason, you came to this country to find a better life. If you don't like our flag, GTFO."

The U.S. doesn't have to ever worry about our country being taken down by a foreign power. Our own law makers seem intent on taking the country down from within.

 

[Dana Jean]

I remember a time when rough bikers (motorcyclists) wore a huge, giant flag on the back of there jacket (what was the name of that Peter Fonda movie?)

EAsy Rider. I think his helmet was the American Flag.

 

[Neesy]

I remember a time when rough bikers (motorcyclists) wore a huge, giant flag on the back of there jacket (what was the name of that Peter Fonda movie?)

[URL='http://www.google.ca/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=66WVfj3EyYCLnM&tbnid=gBYqn6FXGR4TwM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.moviemail.com%2Ffilm%2Fblu-ray%2FEasy-Rider%2F&ei=yGcTU-OrJaaOyAG2yYDYDA&bvm=bv.62286460,d.aWc&psig=AFQjCNGgs-v6V-64753wdloSf7tSshZfzw&ust=1393867028497449'] [/URL]
Jack Nicholson is on the back of the bike with the white helmet - here's to the first of the day fellas - neep, neep, neep!

 

[Neesy]

 

[EAST COASTER]

This sort of thing happens in the UK all the time, it's as if we are embarrassed by our national flag. For some reason the Union Jack has acquired a very right - wing image, it is sad.

 

[Neesy]

This sort of thing happens in the UK all the time, it's as if we are embarrassed by our national flag. For some reason the Union Jack has acquired a very right - wing image, it is sad.

I love, love, love the Union Jack - we even stayed one night at the Union Jack Club in London in April 2005. I would love to go back to London again and spend a week or so looking at all the sights!

Okay - this guy has gone a bit too far, but nevertheless I DO like that flag!

 

[Dana Jean]

Jack Nicholson is on the back of the bike with the white helmet - here's to the first of the day fellas - neep, neep, neep!

Well I guess he was just all American-flagged up.

 

[Winter]

I'm going to quickly say (then duck out) that for the reasons given, I think the school made the right call.

 

[Lepplady]

I'm going to quickly say (then duck out) that for the reasons given, I think the school made the right call.

I can understand where they're coming from, but I completely disagree with the decision. Why not approve both flags.

 

[Agincourt Concierge]

I can understand where they're coming from, but I completely disagree with the decision. Why not approve both flags.

Hey, if kids want to wear Cinco de Mayo stuff on their shirts ... so be it ... in fact the schools didn't seem to have issue with it ... but don't be telling others they can't wear the flag of their native country....