After Ohio high school football players carried a thin blue line flag to honor law enforcement officers, the superintendent banned the flag from school property. Days later, he received an unexpected message when over 1,000 residents showed up to the school.
Chadron High School football players carried a thin blue line flag in conjunction with the American flag as they took the field before one of their games. The players hoped to show support for one of the coaches, who also serves as a police officer, as well as the first responders in their community who work closely with the school.
Despite the apolitical display, Superintendent Michael Hanlon announced that he would ban the thin blue line flag from future pre-game activities, claiming it was viewed as racist, WJW reports. Still, he acknowledged the tight-knit relationship law enforcement has formed with the school since a past school shooting in which a 17-year-old Chadron student killed three of his peers and wounded two others.
“Based on discussions that ensued over the weekend, it does not appear that this action was motivated by racism, rather a show of support for one of our coaches who serves as a police officer, as well as for the first responders in our community who have developed a special relationship with our school and students in the wake of our school tragedy of February 27, 2012,” Hanlon wrote in a letter. “Nevertheless, it is understandable how this could be interpreted as a racially-motivated action and, therefore, not acceptable in a school community.”
Although Hanlon likely believed he was appeasing the majority, he was in for a shock when the community banded together to convey the opposite message. In a stunning show of numbers, more than 1,000 residents marched to the school with thin blue line flags and paraphernalia to show their appreciation for law enforcement and defy the ban.
The protesters arrived on school property to back the students’ right to carry the flag and show support for police officers, which they insist has nothing to do with politics. They also hoped the march would remind law enforcement that they are considered a pillar of the community.
“I think that [officers] think they’re not liked and appreciated, but they are,” event organizer Eric Downing added.
Downing believed that only a dozen people would show up for the march. However, he was pleasantly surprised when hundreds upon hundreds gathered with blue flags, banners, and signs. Of course, the march drew even more support after 53-year-old Cleveland Det. James Skernivitz was shot and killed a few nights earlier.
“I think it really hits home why we’re doing this,” he said. “You never know, when an officer leaves, you don’t know when he’s coming back.”
Hanlon and many others mistakenly believe that the thin blue line is a response to the Black Lives Matter organization and its political movement. However, the pro-police symbol has been around for decades, and it has symbolized support for emergency responders and fallen officers long before the BLM even existed.
“This isn’t political,” Geauga County Commissioner Ralph Spidalieri declared. “This is about our first responders protecting us and giving us our freedom.”
Still, Hanlon attempted to brush off the backlash from the community, arguing that the school cannot allow political displays. Unfortunately for Hanlon, the community wasn’t backing down.
“Given the turbulent times facing our country right now, this action understandably drew responses on social media and direct communications to district officials,” Hanlon wrote in a letter to students and parents.
Locals also gathered on the lawn in front of the school before the Friday-night football game to once again show support for law enforcement officers. As such, the school board announced that the flag won’t be banned from football games but added that staff members and coaches will not be permitted in such a display.
Hanlon and his colleagues were sent a message that the community will make sure students are allowed to voice their support for police officers. Thankfully, all it took was residents making their presence known.
Thanks to the peaceful protest, the school is honoring the community’s desire. Now, students and residents are once again allowed to fly the thin blue line flag in support of local law enforcement.
Source: Tap Worthy Happenings
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