The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Blue-line flag nixed by Chardon official
School superintendent: ‘School policy does not permit engagement in political activity’
The Chardon football team will no longer carry a bluelined American flag onto the field with them prior to games.
School superintendent Dr. Michael Hanlon made that announcement in a letter to community members following a controversy that started when a player carried a blue-lined flag onto the field prior to the Hilltoppers’ season-opener against vising North.
“School district policy does not permit engagement in political activity,” Hanlon wrote. “Nevertheless, it is important to emphasize that we clearly understand how this action could be perceived as political in nature. As a result, this display will not be a part of future pregame activities at Chardon athletic contests.”
In the letter to the community, Hanlon said that in the midst of the “turbulent times” facing the country, that the bluelined American flag drew responses on social media and toward district officials.
Hanlon said going forward, athletic director Doug Snyder will review anhy planned pregame displays for possible connections to any form of discrimination or political views, Hanlon said.
When reached for comment, Snyder directed questions to Hanlon’s office.
Additionally, Coach Mitch Hewitt was not available for comment.
The blue-lined American flag is regarded as a symbol of support for law enforcement. But in recent weeks and months, that flag has been a symbol for some as a counter to the Black Lives Matter activity.
Hanlon said that Chardon’s football team carrying the blue flag onto the field was not motivated by racism, but rather in support of an assistant coach who is a police officer, as well as other first responders in the community, who Hanlon said, “have developed a special relationship with our school and students in the wake of our school tragedy of Feb. 27, 2012.”
That was the day T.J. Lane opened fire in the Chardon school cafeteria, killing three and injuring others.
“Nevertheless, it is understandable how this could be interpreted as a racially-motivated action and, therefore, not acceptable in a school community,” Hanlon
said of the blue flag.
“Our school district is fundamentally anti-racist as reflected in Board of Education policies ranging from Equal Employment Opportunity to matters of student and staff activities,” Hanlon wrote. “Our goal is to ensure that all students, staff and community members are provided the same opportunities to grow and learn in Chardon Schools and that this occurs in an environment that values
the contributions of every school community member. Our staff members work to support that goal in our classrooms and through lessons learned within the scope of extracurricular activities.”
Hanlon said the incident will be used as a learning opportunity and a growing point for the community.
“The district is committed to an atmosphere that respects and values every individual within our
school community,” Hanlon wrote, “and is in the process of engaging with an equity/organizational development consultant to review policies, practices and systems throughout the district. The goal of this work will be to improve awareness and to develop specific strategies that will enable us to move forward effectively.”
Chardon, which defeated North, 45-7, last week, hosts South on Sept. 4.