Staff Reports
It's time we talk about what flags belong in our schools. The American flag is more than just a piece of cloth—it's a symbol of our nation's history, values, and unity. Every student, no matter their background, can look at that flag and know it represents freedom, opportunity, and the sacrifices made by generations of Americans. When we allow other flags, like the Pride flag, to fly in our schools, we're diluting the significance of that unifying symbol. Schools should be places where students learn what it means to be American, and that starts with the Stars and Stripes.
The Pride flag, while significant to some, represents a particular ideology that not everyone agrees with. Schools are supposed to be neutral grounds for learning, not arenas for political or social advocacy. By flying the Pride flag, schools are taking sides in a cultural debate, which is not their role. Imagine the uproar if a school decided to fly a flag representing a religious belief. The same logic applies here. Our schools should focus on educating students in the basics, not promoting specific social or political agendas.
Moreover, the presence of multiple flags in schools can create division among students. Instead of uniting under one flag that represents all Americans, students may start to identify with different symbols, fostering an "us versus them" mentality. The American flag is supposed to bring us together as one people, with shared values and common goals. Introducing other flags undermines this purpose and risks turning our schools into battlegrounds for competing ideologies.
Some argue that flying the Pride flag is a way of showing support for LGBTQ+ students, but support doesn't require a flag. Respecting every student's dignity and providing a safe learning environment is something we should all agree on. However, that doesn't mean we need to raise flags for every group or cause. If we start down that path, where does it end? Soon, we'll be debating which groups deserve representation and which don't, further dividing our already fractured society.
The American flag should be enough for everyone. It's a symbol that has represented this nation through wars, struggles, and triumphs. It embodies the ideals of liberty, justice, and equality for all, which should be the foundation of what our children learn in school. If we believe in those ideals, then we don't need to promote any other flag. Our children should grow up pledging allegiance to one flag—the one that stands for freedom and opportunity for all.
