- Joined
- Feb 20, 2009
- Messages
- 450
Although to some purists, it may be improper flag etiquette.
Indeed, as it is specifically prohibited in the US Flag Code Title 4, Chapter 1, Section 8, paragraph (d):
The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery.
My personal favorite is whenever I see a doormat with the US flag on it. Really, wiping your feet on our flag? Who thought this one up?
Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe that in Tinker vs. Des Moines the Supreme Court allowed granted First Amendment rights to students concerning clothing. Unless is was disrupting activities. With it being cinco de mayo, I can see how the flag shirts would cause a problem.What's the big deal, exactly?
Granted, the shirt violates the Flag Code, but still....? The First Amendment doesn't apply here?
Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe that in Tinker vs. Des Moines the Supreme Court allowed granted First Amendment rights to students concerning clothing.
The ruling allows students to express themselves via clothing and other forms of speech (the case was less about clothing than to what extent the first amendment applies to schools) so long as there isn't anything "materially and substantially interfere with the requirements of appropriate discipline in the operation of the school"
I guess it comes down to the question of Is wearing an American flag shirt disruptive to a school environment?
The flag code is talking about the ACTUAL flag, not representations of it.
At what point does a representation of the flag become the flag?
Based on the interview with the kids here is my opinion:
I dont think the administration made them change the shirts simply because of cinco de mayo. My guess is it was because these kids were being disrespectful and obnoxious to those celebrating the day. Out of all days to wear the flag they chose cinco de mayo. They were probably taunting the mexican american population at the school...I'm assuming this because they had very punk-like attitudes. I mean the guy was wearing a "tapout" shirt with the US flag (probably the only patriotic shirt he had), I can tell you he wasn't wearing that to be patriotic, just obnoxious. If you went to school in Mexico and on July 4th (pretend school was in the summer), a couple punk kids wore the mexican flag not out of patriotism to their country but because they wanted to be obnoxious to the kids celebrating July 4th. IMO if someone is wearing an american flag to simply shame others rather than out of patriotism, they have the right to wear it, but I don't agree with them wearing it.
Basically, I have no issue with anyone wearing the American flag as long as the intent is for support and patriotism of the country. In this case it wasn't. Should the administration have made them change the shirt? Probably not. But they should of told these kids to learn some respect.