Should schools prohibit the displaying in any fashion of the confederate flag?
It is heritage!
The rebel flag does not hurt anyone, and I believe it should be allowed to be worn, just like people from other countries wear theirs! And it is my heritage, and I should be aloud to be proud of it! The end of discussion, no questions asked, no ifs, ands or buts about it.
Posted by: AnonymousDo we allow kids today to wear swastikas in classrooms?
Does it not have the same effect as seeing a kid with a confederate flag on his shirt? I am a student still in high school, and to me comparing these two symbols that were prevalent in world history seem to infringe upon the Public School System laws, which do have the authority to take away rights at the express consent of parents. So, next time your child gives you something to sign for school. Read it. Also, They both directly express the symbols of separate genocides. The US government allows freedom of speech and freedom of expression. That said, there are rules about using gang signs, drawing graffiti on walls and using symbols in ways that affect others. The confederate flag should be treated as a gang symbol, and therefore should be banned in public schools.
Posted by: AnonymousSupporting Ban Of Offensive Flag
It's a dead flag...We don't raise ANY other flag that is not a state or country flag...Why do people still feel the need to display the confederate? Sadly, it still IS a symbol of the slavery south...Just as the swastika IS still a symbol for Nazis and Neo-Nazis. Both flags are STILL insulting, degrading and bring nightmares and fear to many. STILL. How about this...We TEACH what it's SUPPOSED to mean...But dont' shove it rebelliously in people's faces and expect them to respect you for it.
Posted by: 5feetoftrbleRespect for All
Effective public schools recognize their role in promoting a democratic society. The Confederate battle flag, to some a symbol of Southern pride and tradition, is also a reminder of ugliness, disrespect, and degradation to many Americans. It is shameful to think this flag, and its attached history of use as intimidation, has any place in a school. Democracy require tolerance and respect, and disrespect is very much implied in waving this flag. Surely Southerners would prefer to remind others of their heritage of graciousness, generosity and love of family.
Posted by: AnonymousSchools should not allow the confederate flag to be displayed because it is associated with slavery.
The time when African Americans were held by plantation owners as slaves is an era that the United States needs to move past. Allowing the confederate flag to be shown at schools is immoral, in my opinion, because of what it represents. Some of the ideals of the southern states during the Civil War are ideals that should not be supported in the modern world.
Posted by: TwoVicRebel Flag Represents Racism
The rebel flag was flown in support of the Southern U.S. When they seceded from the Union. The primary reason was economic - it was about slaves! For people in this day and time, to say that slavery wasn't THE issue of the Civil War is ludicrous. Historians again and again tell us that the war was about slavery. States rights was convenient "phraseology" to evade the main issue. Without slavery, rich folks would have lost (and did lose) a lot of money. I'm from the South, and I love the South but I cannot understand why people do not see how this emblem of slavery makes African-Americans feel horrible. We still have a high school here in Kingsport, TN who insists on waving the confederate flag at every ball game. No wonder that there are few black students in that school. It's 2013. Get with the program!
Posted by: AnonymousI find it is a racial statement and that is how kids at my school use it!
This boy at my school was using it a an insult to the few African Americans in my school building! I didn't find it okay at all! 8th Graders here that we are talking about, that is way out of their age limit. Therefore, I think a Confederate Flag should be banned from all school buildings and areas.
Posted by: AnonymousThe Confederate flag represent hate and maybe heritage.
The Confederate flag definitely needs to be banned from PUBLIC schools. Georgia no longer flies it above the schools and other goverment building because it creates controversy. Likewise, we shouldn't wear it in the school. We are not asking anyone to totally abolish the use of Confederate apparel, but we are simply saying it isn't appropriate for school. The Confederate flag has been used at lynching and hate rallys. At Paulding County High School in Georgia students were not allowed to wear Obama shirts..............Now is this FREE Speech???????? We as a society must learn how to RESPECT and understand one another! We have to stop waiting on natural disasters before we respect someone or show them love. I would never let my kids wear ANYTHING to school that might offend ANYONE. You can't go to work with a "I Hate My Boss" shirt on and expect to keep your job. School system are trying to use the excuse that it's okay to wear a symbol of hate as long as it doesn't cause disruptions. Some schools choose not to deal with the issue, especially if it is address by a few minorities and the schools are historically white. PLEASE study more Black history and you will see why there aren't any blacks or minorities sporting the Confederate flag!!!!
Posted by: AnonymousThe confederate flag should be banned in schools because school districts have the authority to do so.
The confederate flag should be banned in schools because school districts have the authority to do so. In this case, the flag has a negative connotation related to hatred. In school districts, school boards have the authority to regulate how students dress and what they are allowed to bring to school if it might provoke other students or cause a science. Therefore, the flag should be banned because it could incite fights or other disagreements. To put it another way, it would be a disruption to the learning process.
Posted by: SandDariThe confederate flag is an offensive symbol and should be banned from schools.
Though the first amendment grants everyone the right to express themselves in any way they want in public, schools have the right to set certain rules within their walls. Schools across the nation ban students from wearing clothing with swear words or sexually explicit material because it offends people. While some may see the confederate flag as strictly a symbol of the south, it is more specifically a symbol of the confederate south at the time of the civil war. Since the confederate south supported slavery on the grounds that Africans were not humans and could be treated as property, it is very understandable that many people are offended by the confederate flag. The confederate flag represents racism - something that would obviously prevent the formation of a supportive school community, and should therefore be prohibited.
Posted by: CesP5ychYes, because the confederate flag is an image many find offensive, and it should not be worn in public schools.
Clothing in public schools is already very closely monitored, and there are tons of things that kids are not able to wear. So an object that, in some people's minds, represents slavery and racism should be censored. Although the flag itself is actually just a symbol of pride for the south, the connotation of it also invokes a deep rooted sense of white supremacy. It is simply something that will do nothing but cause negative reactions. There is simply no benefit to people being allowed to wear it. No good will come from it, and it only has the potential for bad reactions.
Posted by: deathcab3
Learn your history
Anyone who thinks the confederate flag is racist is almost as stupid as those who say the Swastika is the symbol for the Nazis. There's a real message in everything but it is ignored. History really is written by the victors. Before the 1900's slavery was common not just in America. To the confederates, they didn't like how the country was being run, and when slavery was threatened, they believed their rights were being taken away. As ironic as it was, slavery really was an American right. The confederates were not pro-slave, they were pro-freedom. It may be a contradiction, but it was like believing everything revolves around the earth. A misconception.
Posted by: AnonymousIt's southern heritage.
People don't understand what it stands for. People instantly jump to slavery when they see it. PEOPLE! OPEN YOUR EYES! Slavery is long gone it doesn't affect you in any way shape or form, SO DEAL WITH IT! Displaying a Nazi symbol in world history books is alright why not the battle flag in the civil war section we should be able to express our own interests/ likes without assumptions.
Posted by: AnonymousOnly in the narrow minds of the completely ignorant does the confederate flag have something to do with bigotry, racism, or repressed rights.
By omitting the simple fact of the confederacy, they would in effect be omitting yet another large portion of our nation's history. Given, not a glorious moment in our past, but a fact and facet of how we've evolved into the sad state of affairs we're in now. I'm opposed to censoring history. Is that clich?d? Even if it is, once we forget, we repeat.
Posted by: P0I3God2iIIaSchools should not prohibit the display of the Confederate flag because it is a First Amendment right to do so.
Although it is in extremely poor taste, schools should not prohibit the display of the Confederate flag, as it is anyone's First Amendment right to display it if they wish. Prohibiting the Confederate flag in schools could possibly lead to censoring of history textbooks, which is an even greater evil. Schools themselves should not be allowed to display the flag, but prohibiting others from doing so is not their right.
Posted by: BrownDustin82I oppose schools prohibiting the display the confederate flag.
I do not believe it is a good idea to prohibit the confederate flag in schools. Of course, it is important as to what kind of context the flag is displayed. As a historical item, it should be displayed in relation to the history of when it was used and why. Specifically, it should be displayed as an item from the Civil War. However, I believe it is a bit more controversial if it was displayed without any historical context, considering what it has represented in the past. There is a big difference of an offensive flag being shown in a book compared to one being displayed over the school name.
Posted by: Maximus WaltonSchools should not prohibit the displaying of the confederate flag because it's an integral part of our nation's history.
The confederate flag is an important part of our nation's history. The flag was prominently flown during the Civil War and rightfully deserves it's place in museums, schools, and the national archives. The flag can be appropriately displayed alongside the stars and stripes during military holidays or observances for the purpose of honoring those who died on the battlefields during the Civil War and to instill a sense of pride and appreciation to all students. Military commanders would only choose highly distinguished soldiers to become flag bearers. Schools that preach freedom of expression, democracy and national service should not prohibit the displaying of the confederate flag but rather embrace it's symbolism and lead by example.
Posted by: I3nnJanFirst of all it's free speech
Secondly, this question states displaying it in any fashion, that would include a historic Context and in such a context it is even appropriate to display the Nazi flag for the purpose of History. The Confederate flag represents an aspect of American History particularly in the South. To deny this not only denies the first Amendment right of expression but also the right of a school to teach history.
Posted by: BennyWSchools should not prohibit the displaying of the confederate flag, as it is a violation of students' freedom of expression.
A school does not have the right to ban the showing of the confederate flag, as doing so would be a violation of a student's freedom of expression. Furthermore, a ban on the confederate flag would mean that schools would have to ban anything else that could be deemed offensive. This could include Mexican flags, Che Guevara shirts and Malcolm X pictures, leading to a stifling school environment.
Posted by: EminentBennett93Freedom of expression should be protected in all circumstances, regardless of how politically incorrect.
The exhibition of the Confederate flag and other generally distasteful political expressions have continuously been upheld in court challenges as valid and lawful under the First Amendment in the USA. Prohibiting the display of the Confederate flag actually backfires particularly in school settings as those usually showing the flag are doing so to get attention and brand themselves as "rebels". The more effective strategy would be to simply ignore the provocative displays such as this.
Posted by: E OlsonI do not feel that schools should prohibit displaying the confederate flag in any manner shape or form, because it does not represent anything more than history.
I do not feel that schools should prohibit displaying the confederate flag, in any manner, shape or form. The confederate flag has come to stand for a racist thing, where it is actually a historic relic, just like any other flag. There is no reason to ban it from schools.
Posted by: TickoCa22The confederate flag is an important part of history that should be displayed.
People are always so up in arms about so-called "controversial topics". It's kind of ridiculous to not display a piece of important American history. The Civil War is one of the biggest, if not the biggest, events in American history. It shaped the lives and ideals of everyone that lives here today. They still display the swastika when they talk about Nazis, and they eagerly show the propaganda that Russia used during the cold war. So, why not show the confederate flag when discussing American history? It seems kind of tame in comparison, doesn't it?
Posted by: DullBenitoReduces Creativity
By forcing kids not to wear a certain article of clothing (i.e the confederate flag) it is not only a narrow-minded decision, (what? Are we going to have another war over a shirt?) but it reduces a kids fashion creativity and individuality. Maybe through studying the war the kid learned a great lesson, and wants to remember those times. It's history. Let us be creative in remembering our ancestors.
Posted by: Carrieberry21Heritage not hatred
The confederate flag represents pride of the old southern states it is a symbol of pride for many people who's family is from the south not a symbol of racism like is taught to children today. If it is banned then that is saying you can't have pride in where you or your family originates.
Posted by: AnonymousThe confederate flag represents heritage and pride. The swastica represents evil, hatred and wicked.
The confederate flag does not represent slavery, it simply represents southern heritage. The civil war was fought over states rights not slavery, most confederate states simply allowed slavery. So do some union states. So should the American flag be banned because the united states used to have slavery, absolutely not. It is the same exact thing with the confederate flag, just because the confederate states had slavery, that does not mean its flag should be banned. The nazis are a cult of sorts, southerners are simply americans. The swastica is a symbol of hatred which is completely different from the confederate and American flag which both represent freedom. America is a different place today, be happy you live in a FREE COUNTRY, that means freedom for everyone so don't put someone done just because they are proud of where they come from and aren't afraid to show it.
Posted by: AnonymousFirst Amendment
This is a weird topic. Under the first amendment, we have the right to display anything not damaging to national security. Is the Confederate flag damaging to national security?
And, it doesn't represent slavery, it represents the last fight America fought against statism.Posted by: Ron-PaulDisplaying the confederate flag is protected by the first amendment.
The First Amendment clearly protects free speech. While I may not like what some people have to say, I will defend their right to say it. On a moral level, infringing on one person's rights is infringing on everyone's rights. If exercising your right infringes on the rights of others, then discretion should be exercised.
Posted by: jackprague94The Confederate Flag is a part of American history and should not be banned.
While I'm not sure it would be appropriate to fly the Confederate Flag in the front of a school right along with the US Flag, to prohibit the displaying of the Confederate Flag in any fashion is unnecessarily restrictive. For those schools in states that were part of the Confederate Army, displaying the confederate flag would be no less inappropriate than displaying the state flower. It is a legitimate piece of the history of those states and should be recognized by the students of those states.
Posted by: Kri5JavaNot about racism
The flag doesn't stand for racism, it stands for individual state rights. The way America should be. If the south would have won. Racism would have still been over. I think teachers need to explain controversial subjects a little more in depth and not have a bias opinion on subjects they teach.
Posted by: AnonymousNo, I believe schools should not prohibit displaying the confederate flag in any way.
Although this could be a very controversial topic, the first amendment gives us the right to freedom of speech. The Civil War was a part of the history of the United States, and whether people agree with its reasons or not, people should be allowed to show their beliefs in any way they see fit. It has recently become a symbol of racism in many places, but I simply see it as an expression.
Posted by: 5h035SoIThe confederate flag should not be banned in schools.
The confederate flag is part of our nations history and therefore should not be banned in schools. It displays a time when, as a nation, we were split into two different beliefs. However, that does not say one side was right and one side was wrong. It just shows that as a nation we have now become one and the flag is a reminder of the trials and tribulations we have been through as a nation. Banning the confederate flag would be like banning an original 13 star flag. Just because we are no longer only thirteen colonies does that mean we should no longer fly that flag? All flags that have been flown for the United States as part of our heritage and history should be allowed.
Posted by: w00tboycomicOf Course Not
It's a Symbol of the men who died for our 13 Confederate States. I Respect it just as much or even more than the American Flag. The flag stands only for what you make it. If you believe the flag is a Symbol of Hate then you don't need a History lesson you need help Period.
Posted by: Limited_LifeMy 1st Amendment rights
Saying that the Confederate flag represents racism and bigotry is the argument of someone who has no education on the matter. I am a highschool student and recently I recieved a dress code violation for wearing a Dixie Outfitters shirt that displayed a Confederate flag. Banning the Confederate flag is equivilant to banning the American flag as they both represent a similar cause. During the American revolution we created our flag to represent a symbol of freedom and independence much the same as the Confederate states did during the civil war. What makes one acceptable and the other unnacceptable? A little known fact is that only 5% of southerners owned slaves and of that 5% only 2% owned more than 5 slaves. Blacks fought for the Confederacy along side whites and Native Americans to preserve the southern way of life. Making the comparison of the confederate flag to the swaztika symbol used by Adolf Hitler during the second world war is not only insulting but extremely ignorant. I encourage everyone to research a thorough history of the Confederate flag before ruling it as a symbol of hatred and racism.
Posted by: AnonymousIt is a fundamental right of any of the citizen of the USA to display the Confederate flag.
Fundamental rights are those rights which cannot be taken away from an ordinary citizen of that country. Displaying of the Confederate flag in any fashion can't be banned by the school authorities. The students at the school should be taught to pay due respect to the confederate flag, since it's a part of American history. Every citizen enjoys fundamental rights and the displaying of this flag falls under freedom of expression. Any type of ban by any of the school should be CHALLENGED in an appropriate court of law.
Posted by: babyphatgurl