With the student walkout and peaceful protest Tuesday at Buckley Park and the evening meeting at Durango High School, many overturned the opposition of one. Students were the many, a parent the one.
The one had claimed that the presence of the Black Lives Matter flag and the progress pride flag in classrooms were political symbols that did not belong in a classroom and they indoctrinated students; the many said no they didn’t, and that they were important in making school environments welcoming to those represented by the flags.
Concerned about a lawsuit, Durango School District 9-R’s administration had sided with the one; with the outpouring from the many, it reversed course.
What is so encouraging is that of the many, students were at the core. They were youth, soon to be in the generations leading this country and influencing the world with their actions. With the way they advocated for their classmates – and all of us – this week it can be considered that they are already leading.
When biology or race and ethnicity are viewed with suspicion or questioned, particularly during one’s formative years, a welcoming school environment is critical. It is also the exact place for students (and parents) to learn about and value difference, inclusion and freedom of expression, especially in the melting pot that is the United States.
A flag makes a forceful message.
The U.S. flag flies with advancing troops, in the front of a community room (the U.S. flag at the left), upside down by the spouse of a member of the Supreme Court and from the beds of pickup trucks. It flies at half-staff to recognize tragic events and the end of a significant life.
States have flags, some through history more notable than others: Texas’ star and the 13 colonies’ “Don’t tread on me.” And there was the South’s battle flag.
Remember the consternation when in opposition to the Vietnam War shirts and pants’ seats were patterned after the U.S. flag? Difficult for most at the time, but more accepting now.
What makes America’s freedoms so extraordinary is that respect for the flag is not mandated.
Had the classrooms in question had photos of the Black Lives Matter and progress pride flags on the wall would there have been such an outburst? No, but neither would they have been as effective.
The protester who claimed the flags did not belong in the classroom and cried indoctrination has handed the schools, and the community, a teaching moment. Seize it.
