HOBBS, N.M. (AP) — A New Mexico school district has apologized because administrative staff asked a high school student to remove a U.S. flag from his car on Veterans Day.
Hobbs Municipal Schools said on the district’s Facebook page that the school’s staff was acting under a policy instituted “due to past incidents” barring students from flying flags of any kind on their vehicles.
The district’s statement continued by saying the student involved in the incident Monday was “demonstrating patriotism” and that asking him to remove the car was “a mistake” and not intended to be unpatriotic.
Dozens of comments posted on the district’s Facebook page included criticism of the rule and its enforcement and support for the rule and for flying the flag.
Here's the full quote from the district Facebook Page:
"We apologize. We made a mistake. A student who was demonstrating patriotism on Monday was advised in the parking lot to take down a flag he was flying on his vehicle. Due to past incidents, a HHS procedure was instituted a few years ago barring students from flying flags of any kind on their vehicles. Our staff followed procedure by asking the student to take his flag down. The intent was not to be unpatriotic. And for that we apologize and strive to do better."