Pictured is the display that appeared at York High School on Tuesday, Sept. 25 that caused an uproar among parents and other members of the York and District 205 community. The exhibit was meant to be a lesson in First Amendment rights by recalling a similar exhibit that appeared at the Chicago Art Institute in 1989, which drew about 300 protesting veterans one Sunday afternoon. York’s display was not presented in the same spirit and included a visit from a member of the Elmhurst American Legion with the students learning to properly fold the flag.
What was meant to be lesson in First Amendment turns into debacle
By Dee Longfellow
For The Elmhurst Independent
Early in the morning of Tuesday, Sept. 26, the Independent received a notice that there was a disturbing display at York High School – it included an American flag on the floor. A few people who saw the display expressed outrage at the lack of respect for the flag and ignorance of flag etiquette.
But according to a release issued later in the day by the School District 205 administration, the entire sophomore class was exploring First Amendment rights as part of a day-long, interdisciplinary forum that centered on banned books, music, social media and the American flag. Examples were chosen based on their relevance to teenagers.
Artists vs. veterans at 1989 Art Institute show
One First Amendment case involved re-creating a 1989 installation by Chicago artist Dread Scott, who was later part of a landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision protecting the right to free speech. Scott’s exhibition at the Chicago Institute of Arts included a guest book to sign, but in order to get to the book, one had to walk across an American flag that was on the floor. This clearly is not in keeping with proper us flag etiquette.
While displayed under the guise of free speech, about 300 veterans from throughout the Chicagoland area had turned up one Sunday afternoon to protest the exhibit and the Institute’s willingness to display it. It became a stand-off between those who had served, fought and saw people die for the flag and a handful of art students who wisely kept their distance from the veterans.
Bringing the issue to the present day, the timing was rather poor since much of the country was still embroiled in President Donald Trump’s feud with the NFL players who are “taking a knee” instead of standing for the National Anthem. Had that not been at the top of everyone’s mind, the acton may not have been such a disruption.
York’s display not in the same spirit
Unlike the Scott example, York’s display was created to ensure the flag was not stepped on or defaced in any way, according to a statement released by District 205. The goal was to create an authentic learning environment, and “we are still learning from this experience,” the release read.
“We ask our students to think critically about issues relevant to them and our society,” it read. “At the same time, we understand that this demonstration caused some angst in the larger community and for that, we deeply apologize.”
York Principal Erin DeLuga shared the following information with families that day:
• The purpose of the forum was to explore the complexities of the constitutionally protected right of free speech by examining real cases and encourage students to think critically about issues relevant to them and our society.?• One of the cases was a recreation of Dread Scott’s “What is the proper way to display a U.S. Flag?” The Scott installation featured the flag on the ground. The York display did not intend to disrespect the flag, the military, or the government; rather, it was used for students to reconcile their feelings about current issues and whether their 1st Amendment rights are protected.
• Two of the students folded the flag and turned it over to a representative from the Elmhurst American Legion to ensure that it would be retired respectfully in accordance with proper flag etiquette.
“We have these conversations in the school environment to foster greater dialogue when our students are in the community,” DeLuga said. “[Tuesday] afternoon and throughout the day [Wednesday], York administrators have met with students to provide them with an opportunity to express their perspectives. Through these conversations, feedback has been gathered on how the administration and staff can ensure that all students’ voices are represented through productive and respectful discourse going forward.
“Our staff and students will learn from this week’s lesson, and we will make changes to this forum in the future to ensure we do not disrespect our flag.”
