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WASHINGTON, D.C. -- A North Carolina Congressman introduced a bill this week that would withhold federal funding from any school that prevents a student from displaying or wearing an American flag in a "respectful manner."
Rep. Walter B. Jones, R-NC, introduced House Bill H.R. 3659, which is titled the American Flag Display Protection Act before Congress.
“The American flag is our most important symbol of national unity, especially during times of war,” Congressman Jones is quoted as saying in a written statement. “Its preeminent position is reinforced every morning as millions of students across America begin their day by pledging allegiance to the flag.”
The issue arose after a situation at Hobbton High School earlier this month in which a student was asked not to wear a shirt to school that featured an American flag.
The school had a no-flag policy intended to curb gang-related activities. The Sampson County schools have since rescinded the policy.
“Throughout our Nation, the American flag is displayed in classrooms and school hallways,” Jones said in the statement. “The display of the American flag by students should be afforded an extraordinary level of protection – and should by no means be equated with the treatment of those who choose to display the flag of foreign powers. School officials in this country who prohibit students from wearing or displaying the United States flag in a respectful manner should not do so without consequence.”
The proposed bill would prohibit any elementary school, secondary school or institute of higher education from receiving any federal funds if that school bans flags displayed or worn tastefully, according to Jones' press office.
