Schools are not places known for encouraging kids to express themselves. In fact, some would argue that the main purpose of public education is and always has been to make kids conform rather than fill their heads with knowledge. Of course, kids need structure and to learn how to adhere to certain conditions similar to those they’ll face working for companies in the real world. And while we should applaud the strides many schools have made addressing bullying issues, there are also examples where administrators can take their policies too far. And in recent years, we’ve all heard stories about bureaucrats imposing unfair rules on children, punishing them for the smallest “offenses.”
But, I don’t think anyone could have ever pictured a day when an American school would ever consider banning the American flag! However, this is a trend that some schools have started around the country. Not so long ago, Franklin County High School in Virginia became the center of national attention after students took issue against their school’s no American flag policy concerning their personal vehicles. One day an official at the school told three students that they could not fly their American flag on their pickup trucks. He said that the practice is considered “offensive” and “disruptive.” Well, it’s no surprise that word of this new policy got around pretty quickly, stirring up a lot of impassioned patriots at the school. And one student’s mom wasn’t about to let this stand.
After other students learned about the situation, their response was loud and clear. The next day, a group of students rallied in support of the three students and put together a patriotic caravan of trucks. Every vehicle proudly flew the American flag (in many cases, several). And they all drove the caravan through their city on their way to school.
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And soon, that same busy-body bureaucrat would have to apologize to the students, telling them that it actually was not against the school’s policy to have the flag on their personal vehicles and describe the episode as just a “big misunderstanding.”
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However, we should allow this story to serve as a reminder that as Americans, we must remain vigilant to safeguard our freedoms, as there are no guarantees that someone won’t try to take them away.
You can watch footage of the students’ protest below.
Also, check out this well-made patriotic music video featuring the kids of Franklin County High.