Controversial York High School flag display sparks debate

ELMHURST – York Community High School in Elmhurst is facing backlash after a recent First Amendment forum featured an American flag placed on the floor.

The flag was part of a modified recreation of Dread Scott's 1989 "What is the proper way to display a U.S. Flag?" during a forum for sophomore students Sept. 26.

"The York display did not intend to disrespect the flag, the military, or the government; rather, it was used for students to reconcile their feelings about current issues and whether their 1st Amendment rights are protected," Principal Erin DeLuga said in a post on the school's Facebook page.

The day-long, interdisciplinary forum centered on banned books, music, social media and the American flag, and examples were chosen based on their relevance to teenagers, according to a statement from the school.

The purpose was to explore the complexities of free speech by examining real cases, DeLuga said.

"We ask our students to think critically about issues relevant to them and our society," the school said in its statement. "At the same time, we understand that this demonstration caused some angst in the larger community and for that, we deeply apologize."

One commentator on the York Facebook page was Bill Reich, who said although it's "OK to disagree with the appropriateness of using the flag in this manner," it is "wrong, and unAmerican to label these educators as morally or ethically deficient."

"This is a symptom of one of our biggest problems as a country right now – intolerance. Intolerance to the point of condemning good people for having the courage to foster opposing points of view and to practice one of the most cherished of American ideals – freedom of expression," Reich said in his comment.

While some commentators expressed positive feedback, others said the activity was "disrespectful," "disgusting" and "a disgrace."

"Although I respect teachers and all they do to educate our children, young adults and adults, I feel that the same lesson could have been achieved by not actually desecrating the flag with these young people actually witnessing it in their school," Joyce Flaherty said on Facebook in response to York's statement. "Certainly you must have known that there was going to be heartbreaking backlash from your community."

Two students folded the flag and turned it over to a representative from the Elmhurst American Legion so it could be retired "respectfully in accordance with proper flag etiquette," according to the statement.

School administrators also met with students about the activity and gathered feedback on how "administration and staff can ensure that all students' voices are represented through productive and respectful discourse going forward."

"Our staff and students will learn from this week’s lesson, and we will make changes to this forum in the future to ensure we do not disrespect our flag," the school said in its statement.