Students told U.S. flag in pickup might offend someone.
Screengrab/YouTube/CBS News
On Thursday, York Comprehensive High School was the subject of a protest after it told 18-year-old Peyton Robinson he could not fly the U.S. and the black POW-MIA flag from his pickup because someone might be offended, WBTV reported. According to WBTV, students, parents and veterans gathered to make their opinions heard. Some, the report said, set up across the street from the school waving flags. According to WSOC, over 70 vehicles sporting flags paraded in front of the school.
Robinson was reportedly told that he could no longer fly the flags from his pickup and was ordered not to have the flags in the truck when he returned to school. But, Robinson said, someone -- apparently a school official -- decided to remove the bolts securing the flagpoles in his truck, laying the flags in the bed “when I wasn’t even there.”
Officials announced that flags like those Robinson displayed are safety hazards. Superintendent Vernon Prosser expressed concern they could block the view of other drivers and cause a wreck. But Robinson was also told the flags might offend someone.
The Blaze said that Robinson, whose relatives have served in the military, was upset. ”I was pretty mad,” he said. “I don’t see how it’s a problem. Nobody has ever complained about it before.” Moreover, WSOCadded, the South Carolina Highway Patrol said the flags being displayed are legal in the roadway.
"When I hear that you can't fly the American flag it makes my blood run red, and my blood is red," said Michael Douglas, a veteran of the Vietnam War. Douglas said he bled for the flag and everyone has the right to own one.
Ultimately, the school reversed its earlier decision, and said students can display the U.S. flag provided no other driving hazard exists. Parents participating in the protest called it a "win." School administrators, WBTV added, have yet to determine what size might constitute a "driving hazard."
"Due to the outstanding display of patriotism through peaceful demonstration, it is apparent to us that many are not happy about this policy," the district said. "School officials have reviewed the standing policy regarding flags and have decided that an exception will be made for the American flag, as long as the size of the flag(s) does not create a driving hazard."
"We appreciate the passion and pride of all who have called or come by YCHS over the past 24 hours. America was founded by Patriots who led positive change in a myriad of ways," the district added. "We believe today is a great example of peaceful demonstration leading to positive change. This is the very process we advocate in our Social Studies classrooms and the fabric of American citizenship. Thank you for helping us as we educate the students of our community."
"We're just glad we got this victory today, and it just proves if you stand up for your country, you stand up for what you believe in, things get changed," parent James Crump told WBTV. "Now if the school wants to let them display their flag a certain size, we need to, as parents and students, agree to stay within that limit, you know, boundary," Crump added.
"We fought for it, I fought for it,” Patriot Guard rider Mark Ludwig said. Robinson also called the decision a victory, and said he's glad others stood with him. “I'm really surprised all these people showed up and I'm really appreciative of all the support from everybody, I had no idea it would get this big," he said.
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