spot_imgspot_img

Polis calls student’s Gadsden patch a ‘teaching moment’ as school reverses ruling

(The Center Square) – A Colorado Springs charter school reversed course on allowing a student to have the Gadsden flag patch on his backpack following a viral video and input from the governor.

A video recording made by a parent went viral this week on X, formerly known as Twitter, showing a 12-year-old student named Jaiden with a school administrator of The Vanguard School, a charter school founded in 1995. Jaiden displayed several patches on his backpack, among them a yellow Gadsden flag patch.

“The reason we do not want the flag displayed is due to its origins with slavery and slave trade,” said a woman identified by the Denver Gazette as Beth Danjuma, an assistant principal.

A wave of response on social media led Democratic Gov. Jared Polis to speak out that the flag should be taught as a Revolutionary War symbol.

“The Gadsden flag is a proud symbol of the American revolution and an iconic warning to Britain or any government not to violate the liberties of Americans,” Polis posted on his personal X account. “It appears on popular American medallions and challenge coins through today and Ben Franklin also adopted it to symbolize the union of the 13 colonies. It’s a great teaching moment for a history lesson!”

The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression said on social media it was “looking into” the situation.

“There is nothing inherently disruptive about a student displaying a Gadsden flag patch on his backpack,” Aaron Terr, the director of public advocacy for the foundation, said in an email to The Center Square. “Public school administrators can’t ban the expression of an idea, symbol, or viewpoint just because they personally dislike it.”

The Gazette also reported that the school said other patches on the student’s backpack were problematic.

“Unfortunately, this story is incomplete,” the school told the Gazette. “The patch in question was part of half a dozen other patches of semi-automatic weapons. The student has removed the semi-automatic patches. As a school district, we will continue to ensure all students and employees can learn and work in a safe and nurturing environment.”

The Vanguard School Board of Directors held an emergency meeting on Tuesday, according to a note sent to parents that the district provided to The Center Square.

“From Vanguard’s founding we have proudly supported our Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the ordered liberty that all Americans have enjoyed for almost 250 years,” the note said. “The Vanguard School recognizes the historical significance of the Gadsden flag and its place in history. This incident is an occasion for us to reaffirm our deep commitment to a classical education in support of these American principles.”

“At this time, the Vanguard School Board and the District have informed the student’s family that he may attend school with the Gadsden flag patch visible on his backpack,” the message added.

DON’T MISS OUT

Be the first to know about the latest news, giveaways, events, and updates from The Black Chronicle!

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

spot_imgspot_img
spot_img

Hot this week

African and Caribbean Nations Call for Reparations for Slave Trade, Propose Global Fund

Nations across Africa and the Caribbean, deeply impacted by...

Health care company agrees to pay $22.5 million to settle claims of over billing

A health care company agreed to pay nearly $22.5...

Sports betting expert offers advice on paying taxes for gambling winnings

(The Center Square) – Tax season is underway, and...

Entertainment district benefits don’t outweigh the cost, economists say

(The Center Square) — Weeks later, after more details...

Business association ‘disappointed’ by WA L&I’s proposed workers comp rate hike

(The Center Square) – The Association of Washington Business...

Survey: Small business owners optimistic heading into holiday shopping season

(The Center Square) – Although a new survey reveals...

Delaware-based group spends thousands on candidates across Illinois

(The Center Square) – Several Illinois races are being...

Voters have high number of transit measures in 2024

Voters will decide on $59.2 billion in dedicated, multi-year...

Former Seattle Police Chief Adrian Diaz placed on administrative leave

(The Center Square) – Former Seattle Police Chief Adrian...

California goods inflation down, wages up, fueling possible housing bubble

(The Center Square) - According to new reports from...

Census: Arizona remains a top destination for moving Americans

(The Center Square)— New estimates from the U.S. Census...

Ohio school district adopts controversial ‘Grading for Equity’ policies

A school district outside Cleveland, Ohio, will have staff...

More like this
Related

Survey: Small business owners optimistic heading into holiday shopping season

(The Center Square) – Although a new survey reveals...

Delaware-based group spends thousands on candidates across Illinois

(The Center Square) – Several Illinois races are being...

Voters have high number of transit measures in 2024

Voters will decide on $59.2 billion in dedicated, multi-year...

Former Seattle Police Chief Adrian Diaz placed on administrative leave

(The Center Square) – Former Seattle Police Chief Adrian...