On Monday, August 26th, protesters gathered near Edmond North High School with American flags decorating their vehicles. They met at a shopping center on Danforth, and more than 50 cars made laps around the school.
Additionally, several people stood in front of the school waving flags. Pawprint staff writer, Elise Becker, spoke with Aaron Scott, a man protesting outside of Edmond North. “We’re out here to protect the rights of people flying flags, and if you don’t like this flag, come and take it.”
The protests began on Wednesday, August 21st, Edmond North High School Senior Caleb Horst was told by an Edmond North administrator to remove a large American flag attached to the back of his truck.
Horst posted to social media, expressing his discontent about the incident which elicited an overwhelming response from the community.
“I just messaged out to people asking for support and to fly their flags too,” Horst told local news outlet, News 9. The post was widely shared across social media, and many community members were outraged over the incident.
Edmond Public Schools Superintendent Angela Grunewald released an email statement to Edmond Public School families on Friday, August 30th.
“Our current practice was developed in 2017 as a result of several incidents, including fights and other aggressive behavior at our Edmond high schools where the American flag was being displayed improperly and grossly disrespected. In response to those incidents, the district gathered administrators and students from each high school to find a constructive way forward. Those conversations led to the practice of not allowing any flags in our school parking lots and stadiums thus reducing the disruptive and sometimes violent behavior and eliminating the possibility of the US flag being disrespected or used inappropriately.”
Despite the district’s public explanation of the school’s flag policy, the incident has continued to spark anger on social media platforms.
A recent post shared on TikTok by @okiepatriot76 portrayed an administrator confiscating small American flags that were being distributed by students. This video has been viewed 160k times and garnered comments such as “that school should be ashamed,” “those administrators should be sent to Iran” and “serious question…is Edmond North School in USA or in some disgusting commi country!? ”
A source who wishes to remain anonymous reports that the students manufactured the video, and the administrator was picking up flags that had been dropped on the floor.
The administrator and the school have been targeted with threats due to the extensive sharing of this video and other publicity.
Is Edmond North Unpatriotic?
Although recent news coverage would suggest widespread outrage toward the school, other community members reinforce the view that Edmond North is, in fact, patriotic and respectful of the flag.
Jill Castilla, President and CEO of Citizens Bank of Edmond, expressed her support of the school on Facebook.
“As a parent of two recent Edmond North High School graduates, I can attest that it is one of the most patriotic schools in the country. The AFJROTC unit is one of the largest, most esteemed in the nation due to the incredible support of the school’s administration and our wonderful Edmond community. Both of our ENHS graduates attended military academies and serve in the Armed Forces as a result of their experience in high school. Criticize a policy, but assertions that this school is anything less than patriotic is just ridiculous.”
Edmond North AFJROTC presents the colors before assemblies, and student cadets raise the flag in front of the school each morning and lower it every afternoon when school ends. Proper flag protocols and etiquette are strictly followed.
Furthermore, a flag is displayed in each classroom, and the pledge of allegiance is recited by the student body each day at Edmond North.
Politicizing a Misunderstanding
State Superintendent Ryan Walters wasted no time weighing in on the situation. He stated on his X account, “No school in Oklahoma should tell students they can’t wave an American flag.”
He continued, “My department is right now working on guidelines we will be issuing to districts to ensure that no student is ever targeted for having an American flag, and also that our schools will promote patriotism.”
Walters is currently under investigation for misuse of federal and state funds.
Superintendent Grunewald responded to the new guidelines issued by the State Department of Education in her email address to parents and students.
“These new guidelines include a requirement for districts ‘to establish a clear policy ensuring that the U.S. flag can be flown and displayed on all school campuses without infringement. The policy should also promote the respectful presentation of the flag, ensuring it is treated with the honor it deserves.’ These guidelines further require the Pledge of Allegiance to be recited at least once a week.”
These are all policies the school currently observes with the exception of flags displayed in school parking lots.
She continued, “This situation has arisen from a misunderstanding about the reason for our practice, but we believe it is also an opportunity for unity and constructive conversations.”
“Hate is not healthy for our community and we have to commit to disagree better. I would ask that we seek to find the good in others and move towards finding a common ground. We are much stronger when we work together, treat each other with respect and dignity, and make a genuine effort to get along” Grunewald concluded.
