Travelers Rest, SC (The Greenville News, WLTX) - Travelers Rest's Principal has reversed his decision to restrict the carrying of the American flag at high school football games.
People became upset and took to social media after a Travelers Rest student was blocked from carrying the flag into the stadium. Several people claimed in their posts that the decision was made before the Travelers Rest-Berea game because it might offend Berea’s large Hispanic community.
At the time, Travelers Rest’s principal, Lou Lavely, said the American flag has been used in the past to “taunt” Berea students, leading to confrontations. “Student safety (and in the case of a football game, safety of all attending) is our primary concern,” Lavely said. “It is the responsibility of the school to provide the safest environment possible, and no object, sign, chants by students, etc. would be permitted if they compromise safety.”
In a statement Monday from the district, Lavely denies that he believes or ever stated that the flag would be offensive in Berea.
He added that on Monday morning, he met with students and faculty, who told him that students should be judged on their own merits and not the actions of past students. As a result of that meeting, students will be allowed to bring the American flag to any and all Travelers Rest High School events. If needed, the the high school will address misuse of the flag or any other inappropriate behavior on an individual basis.
“I fully support Mr. Lavely’s thoughtful reconsideration, and his willingness to respond to advice and input from his community,” said Greenville County Superintendent Burke Royster in a statement. “I am appreciative of the Travelers Rest High School community for sharing its concerns and opinions on this matter in a respectful, civil manner. I also appreciate and applaud their desire to promote patriotism and service as a part of the culture of their school and am in agreement that students’ desire to carry and display the American flag should be encouraged and supported throughout the District.”
Before this new decision was made, Berea High Principal Mike Noel issued a statement in support of Lavely.
"I am in full support of Mr. Lavely's actions at the football game on Friday night. He was protecting the greatest symbol of our nation, the American Flag. His decision was based on the premise that the American flag should not be used in a disrespectful or unsportsmanlike like manner. He made the right decision", Noel said in an email statement from the school district.
"Mr. Lavely should be celebrated for his dedication to supporting our veterans and encouraging student to love and respect our great nation", according to the statement. "We educate our students on how to display good sportsmanship and to show respect to our opponents. Both teams played hard and should be celebrated for their efforts on the field. Both schools and communities need to embrace the spirit of competition in a positive manner, and show respect for each other's achievements."
