Dan Behm, a Michigan public school superintendent, is apologizing for a recent action taken by students that he claims promoted “exclusion, “hate,” “hostility and confusion.”
That act was waving giant American flags at a high school football game last Friday.
According to Michigan Capitol Confidential, Behm penned his apology letter — addressed to the entire district — after a parent complained about the allegedly disrespectful display.
People hold American flags (Shutterstock)
“On Friday evening, September 9, during the football game between two wonderful schools, the actions of some and the inaction of others brought disrespect and confusion to many,” the letter reads. “Injecting partisan politics into a community football game and into a commemoration of the events of September 11th is inappropriate.”
Behm argued that the patriotic display was “inconsistent with proper etiquette” and was “disrespectful to all who have served our nation.”
Additionally, Behm claims that the flag in question — a “Betsy Ross” with 13 stars, symbolizing the original 13 colonies — was extra offensive.
“To wave a historical version of our flag, that to some symbolizes exclusion and hate, injects hostility and confusion to an event where no one intended to do so,” he explained.
The school district released an additional statement noting that the offending students will not be punished, but the situation “will be used as a teachable moment.”
You can read Behm’s entire letter below.
School Superintendent: Students Waving Flags Promote ‘Hate,’ ‘Hostility’ by Christian Datoc on Scribd
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