Did you hear about the flag-fueled yearbook controversy in Foxborough, Mass? What is your opinion, "Yes" or "No"?

2015-12-13T23:32:32-05:00

Flag etiquette states that the flag should not be allowed to touch the ground. An uncropped version of the photo, posted to Traux’s Facebook earlier this month, shows her daughter standing on the bars of the draped American flag. Cropped or not, should the photo be allowed? Personally, I believe, in respect of the US Flag, it should not be allowed as long as someone in the position of authority knew about it. Doing so would give the perception that the school supports this. Given what we know about free speech, what do you think? And be nice...

"The mother of a Foxborough High School student says a photo of her daughter with an American flag was rejected by the school for being “offensive.” But the school says the photo itself was inappropriate for its disrespect of flag etiquette, WCVB reports.

In a widely shared Facebook post, Lisa Truax wrote that the Red Wing Diner, which employs her daughter, purchased a page in the school yearbook to congratulate her. The photo shows her daughter posing in front of a draped American flag.

“Does anyone find this photo offensive? Apparently Foxboro High School finds it offensive,” Truax wrote. “They won’t allow the picture in the yearbook because it’s the American flag. We are American! We live in America! OMG what is this country coming to?”

The post garnered more than 5,000 shares by Friday morning.

However, officials at Foxborough High School said in a statement to WCVB that the photo itself was the offensive one.

“The photo showed the United States flag, hanging on a wall, with the lower portion lying on the floor, and the student standing on the flag,” Principal Diana M. Myers-Pachla said in a statement. “We do not view standing on the U.S. flag as respectful or appropriate.”

Flag etiquette states that the flag should not be allowed to touch the ground. An uncropped version of the photo, posted to Traux’s Facebook earlier this month, shows her daughter standing on the bars of the American flag."

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/2015/12/11/there-flag-fueled-yearbook-controversy-foxborough/UnJ9148BR5I4VuWxCgk2fL/story.html

There’s a flag-fueled yearbook controversy in Foxborough

The mother of a Foxborough High School student says a photo of her daughter with an American flag was rejected by the school for being “offensive.” But the school says it’s the other way around.

Response by LTC Kevin B. made Dec 13 at 2015 11:46 PM

2015-12-13T23:46:23-05:00

Looks like a standoff. They both have a point. The student was just trying to be patriotic....but she does appear to be standing on a flag that is touching the ground (although I'm sure that wasn't her intent). Both sides have a reason to be offended. They should have just cropped everything in the photo from the knees down. Problem solved for everyone.

Response by SGT Rick Ash made Dec 13 at 2015 11:47 PM

2015-12-13T23:47:40-05:00

I saw the initial post and thought it might be because it appeared she was standing on the flag. Even if that is so, the school is responsible for "draping the flag and letting it touch the ground. I do NOT think it is offensive however, I would like to give the school some of my direct comments. Lisa did nothing wrong on purpose. And, this is America and that is OUR heritage and proud history. This is all wrong for the wrong reasons.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Dec 13 at 2015 11:57 PM

2015-12-13T23:57:45-05:00

I do not find it offensive, if it is a commercial backdrop. I find it offensive a school would find a flag background in a photo... especially in a place where this country has its roots...

Response by SN Greg Wright made Dec 14 at 2015 12:07 AM

2015-12-14T00:07:18-05:00

MSgt Curtis Ellis Wait, what?! Someone in public service STOOD UP FOR THE FLAG?!

Curtis, quick, where can I buy structural supports? I think the sky is going to come down.

/end hyperbole

'The Veterans'. That kind of pissed me off. What does she think, we're some kind of special group to be pulled out of the drawer to show her 'support'?!

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Dec 14 at 2015 12:35 AM

2015-12-14T00:35:17-05:00

I understand. She shouldn't have been standing on the flag unless she's supporting Eric Sheppard.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 14 at 2015 9:26 AM

2015-12-14T09:26:59-05:00

I just *love* when people use social media to stir up controversy. The girl's mother is bent on being "right".
This is a tempest in a teapot.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 15 at 2015 7:06 PM

2015-12-15T19:06:00-05:00

I feel any angst should be directed at the photo studio. They could have alleviated all the controversy by not putting a backdrop that appears an awful lot like a US Flag on the ground. I can support the student's desire to be patriotic and I can support the school's desire to honor Old Glory. Using the "what's done is done" approach I wouldn't see a problem with a cropped version of the photo being used. Five years from now no one will remember the controversy behind the original photo.

Response by Cam Rankin made Jun 15 at 2016 11:17 AM

2016-06-15T11:17:16-04:00

Surprisingly enough, I live in the next town over and I had not heard about this till now