A protest erupted outside Edmond North High School in Oklahoma after students were barred from displaying the American flag, sparking a rally of around 100 vehicles and criticism from state officials.
On Monday, around 100 vehicles gathered outside Edmond North High School in Edmond, Oklahoma, to protest a new rule banning the display of the American flag on campus. The demonstration was sparked by Edmond Public Schools' (EPS) policy, which aims to minimize distractions and maintain a safe environment for students, according to a school spokesperson.
The controversy began when Caleb Horst, a high school senior, was informed that he could not fly the American flag on his truck. Horst expressed frustration, stating, “It’s our First Amendment right, and it’s hard for them to infringe upon our rights.”
In response, Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters condemned the rule, asserting that “no school in Oklahoma should tell students they can’t wave an American flag.” He emphasized the importance of the flag and vowed to issue new guidelines to ensure students’ rights to display the flag are protected. Walters criticized EPS for allegedly prioritizing “woke agendas” over American history and freedoms.
The rally, organized by a Facebook group, aimed to promote patriotism and honor the American flag. Attendees included veterans like Eddie Beesley, who showed support for the demonstration. An Army veteran also voiced his belief that the flag should be celebrated and not restricted by school policies.
EPS has stated that while flags are not allowed in classrooms, they are displayed respectfully on school grounds.
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