(Luis Cornelio, Headline USA) A Colorado middle school’s decision to expel a 12-year-old student for wearing a Gadsden flag patch has ignited a fierce wave of criticism, including from prominent Democrat officials.
The incident, which occurred at The Vanguard Secondary School in Colorado Springs, drew widespread attention after being brought to light in a viral Twitter thread by Connor Boyack, president of the Libertas Institute.
The student, identified as Jaiden, was reportedly removed from his class and subsequently expelled due to his refusal to remove a “Don’t Tread on Me” flag patch.
The school administration claimed that the patch was “disruptive to the classroom environment” and falsely stated that the flag’s origins were tied to slavery. However, as Boyack pointed out in a series of tweets, historical records indicate that the Gadsden flag originated during the Revolutionary War and was not associated with slavery.
Boyack’s tweets also addressed the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which acknowledged the non-racial context of the Gadsden flag’s origins while noting its occasional interpretation as conveying racially charged messages.
Of particular interest was the school director’s assertion that the flag was linked to “hate groups.” Boyack criticized the director’s argument, highlighting a source that cited a “graphic design scholar” and an article suggesting that the flag has been perceived as a symbol of hate or racism.
The disturbing news of Jaiden’s ousting from the school even prompted a response from Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, a Democrat.
“Obviously the Gadsden flag is a proud symbol of the American revolution and a iconic [sic] warning to Britain or any government not to violate the liberties of Americans,” Polis tweeted. “It appears on popular American medallions and challenge coins through today and Ben Franklin also adopted it to symbolize the union of the 13 colonies. It’s a great teaching moment for a history lesson!”
Even infamous Rep. Ted Lieu, D-Calif., chimed in to defend the patch. “I oppose banning the Gadsden flag in schools for the same reason I oppose conservative schools districts that ban LGBTQ flags in schools,” Lieu stated. “Let kids be their authentic selves and give them a world of information—students can figure out what’s important to them.”
I oppose banning the Gadsden flag in schools for the same reason I oppose conservative schools districts that ban LGBTQ flags in schools. Let kids be their authentic selves and give them a world of information—students can figure out what’s important to them. https://t.co/xqNLPq0lYQ
— Ted Lieu (@tedlieu) August 29, 2023
