“School officials” decision to ban students from displaying the American Flag at a recent football game is creating controversy in a sc school district.
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It was my intention to wait and see if publishing a statement concerning the TRPD’s involvement in the flag incident at Friday’s game at the Travelers Rest High School would be warranted later this week.
Principal Lou Lavely to issue a statement explaining his decision.
Lavely told WYFF News 4 that he banned American flags from games after they were used to “taunt Berea students”.
‘Last night I picked my brother up from the TRHS Football game and he told me that Lavely had denied entry to a couple of young men with Americans flag’.
The principal’s comments came in response to a picture of one attendee with a large American flag speaking with a local police officer at the gate, and a message about school officials censoring the stars and bars. Indeed, Mike Noel, principal of nearby Berea High School, praised Lavely for “protecting the greatest symbol of our nation, the American Flag”.
Alivia Waynick, a senior at Travelers Rest, said she was reprimanded for bringing her American flag into the stadium’s student section, The Greenville News reported. He did not bar the flag from school grounds.
“Any decision to not allow the American flag to be used in an improper “taunting”, unsportsmanlike manner is first and foremost in the interests of promoting the safety and well-being of all in attendance at school events”, Lavely said in a lengthy statement, released by Greenville County Schools.
Students Haiden McCall and Noah Cutler said they were denied entry to the game due to their American flags.
“I’m very disappointed in the fact that I was expected, and the people who brought the flags were expected, to be disrespectful and using it in a taunting manner”, she said.
“Instead of restricting possession of the flag, the TRHS administration will, if needed, address the misuse of the Flag, or any other inappropriate behavior, on an individual basis”, the district said in the statement.
A Berea football player led the team onto the field Friday night carrying a flag, which was normal for all football games, said Bridget Myers, a Berea parent whose son plays on the team. He made a decision for one game to prevent students from misusing a almost sacred symbol.
Mr. Lavely should be celebrated for his dedication to supporting our veterans and encouraging student to love and respect our great nation. We need to do something about it because it’s not getting any better. Both schools and communities need to embrace the spirit of competition in a positive manner, and show respect for each other’s achievements.
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Beth Brotherton, assistant director of communications for Greenville County Schools, confirmed to Greenville Online that the school has not banned the USA flag.
