American flag controversy in Bedford County spills over onto Staunton High's social media pages
STAUNTON — It’s probably not the first time and most likely won’t be the last that Staunton High School and Staunton River High School are confused for one another.
The two schools are separated by just over 100 miles and nearly two hours, with Staunton River located in Moneta, just a little southeast of Roanoke. But the names are similar enough that people criticizing Staunton River High School started posting American flags on a Facebook post by Staunton High School Thursday.
According to a story by television station WSET based in Lynchburg, controversy arose at the Bedford County school when a student was not allowed to fly two large American flags in the back of his truck. The story said the school system has a policy that doesn’t allow large flags or banners to be displayed on students’ vehicles because they could be a distraction. The school system said, according to the TV report, “Please be assured that we proudly fly the American flag throughout the school, and the Pledge of Allegiance is recited every morning."
That hasn’t stopped some from criticizing the school for being anti-American, which is where Staunton High School comes in. On a Staunton High Facebook post thanking business sponsors in the area, one person commented, “Every student should fly the flag on their truck, car, bike whatever now.”
Several people posted GIFs and photos of American flags, eagles and even Uncle Sam. Someone else wrote, “Sponsors? Not for long.”
Staunton City Schools responded to several commenters, “Hello, you've reached the wrong school. Staunton High School is a part of Staunton City Schools in Staunton, VA. We are not affiliated with Staunton River High School in Bedford County, VA.”
The comments aimed at Staunton River weren’t contained to that one Facebook post either. Another Staunton High School post celebrating a JV football win had a comment from someone reading, “Another school that don’t allow students to show their support of our country by displaying the flag. Fortunately in Oklahoma schools still allow students to show their support for the flag that represents our country.”
And another person commented, “You are punishing a student for having the American Flag displayed/waving on his pick-up truck? Whomever decided this was appropriate is an idiot and needs to be removed from whatever position he/she is holding. What an idiot for doing this.”
The comments weren't limited to just Facebook either, with some mistakingly criticizing Staunton High School on its Instagram page also, posting American flags and comments critical of Staunton River.
On Friday afternoon, Staunton High officials made a post in an attempt to clear up any confusion. It has a headline reading “Announcement” and goes on to explain, “Thank you for visiting the Staunton High School (not Staunton River High School) Facebook page! We are located in Staunton, Virginia nestled in the Shenandoah Valley. Go Storm.”
There’s a lone GIF of a person waving an American flag in the comment section of that post also.
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— Patrick Hite is a reporter at The News Leader. Story ideas and tips always welcome. Contact Patrick (he/him/his) at phite@newsleader.com and follow him on Twitter @Patrick_Hite. Subscribe to us at newsleader.com.
This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: American flag controversy in Bedford County spills over onto Staunton High's social media pages
