https://wset.com/news/local/i-was-repre ... ugust-2023#'I was representing a big flag': Student says free American flags won't solve the issue
Just 24 hours after a controversy over a student with American flags on his truck, Bedford County Schools is looking to provide free flags and decals to their students.
According to BCPS, they are partnering with local patriotic organizations to provide these flags to students.
Last Wednesday, Staunton River High School student Christopher Hartless drove to school with two American flags on his truck. Once at school, BCPS leaders told Hartless to remove his flags as they are breaking the student parking code. Hartless did not remove them and went on to class.► Show Spoiler
While in first period, he was told to remove them again and lost his parking pass. After that, his parents pulled him from school and Hartless said he is now being homeschooled.
Tuesday afternoon, BCPS sent out a release saying they are going to be providing students with free flags and decals of the flag that are the right size.
The full release is below:
ABC13 spoke with Hartless and asked him if he thinks this will fix anything."A recent news story raised concerns about the Student Driver Contract for the Bedford County Public Schools (BCPS). The contract, which has been in place in all three of the high schools for over a decade, prohibits student drivers from flying large flags or banners on their vehicles, due to their potential to distract or obstruct the view of student drivers as they are navigating the school parking lot. The underlying concern for this rule is student safety. As expressed in School Board Policy IEA: Promotion of Patriotism, the school division is committed to teaching students good citizenship skills that include respect for the country, the American flag, and the sacrifices of service members and their families. In partnership with several local patriotic organizations, BCPS is proud to announce a community fundraiser to provide complimentary car flags and decals of the American Flag, of appropriate size to be safely displayed on vehicles, for junior and senior student drivers. If you would like to support this initiative, a monetary donation can be dropped off at any of the following locations:
100% of the proceeds collected will be used to purchase American flags and decals made in the United States. Students, who are interested in receiving a car flag or decal, will be notified through their school administration when these items are available for pick up at The Bedford Boys Tribute Center. Thank you for your support of BCPS students!"
"Do you think this announcement and those free flags will help solve the problem," ABC13 asked.
"No, I don't think it will," Hartless said. "When they put on the website or whatever that the school is going to do something for the flags on peoples' vehicles, they're gonna buy flags for peoples' vehicles that are of their choice; not the students choice and what they want to put on their vehicle. I was representing a big flag that everyone can see; they are gonna buy little flags more than likely."
Hartless' parents, Christina and Allen told ABC13 that they are supporting their son all of the way.
His mother said students should be allowed to express themselves while at school.
"As long as it's not to do with drugs, alcohol, or profanity, students should express themselves the way that they would be expressed at home by their family," Christina Kingery said. "I believe as a parent of three children, of different ages, different lights, different everything; if they believe in something, we're going to stand behind them. That's what parents are supposed to do; stand behind their child in any decision they make."
Hartless said he hopes what he did will make a difference one day in Bedford County Schools. He also said he hopes other students will stand up for what they believe in.
whatta maroon. Iffin' I can't fly bigly flags on mah pick 'em up truck, then I'm not going to school no moe!