A North Carolina high school history teacher is being called “unpatriotic” after stomping the American flag to give his class a lesson on the First Amendment. Judging by his comments afterwards, he didn't learn much from the uproar.
Massey Hill Classical High School teacher Lee Francis said he stepped on the flag in the context of a lesson on freedom of speech, but his action sparked outrage at the school and elsewhere in Fayetteville, reported WFMY News 2.
“I put it on the ground and I used my right foot and I took two steps on it, and immediately two kids got out of the room,” Francis said.
A parent’s Facebook picture brought light to the situation. It showed Francis standing over a crumpled flag and immediately went viral, receiving more than 10,000 shares, said The Washington Times.
Some Fayetteville residents denounced Francis’ actions.
“I think it’s inappropriate to teach that in school,” said Grayson Chavonne. “If he wants to do that in his own home that’s his prerogative, but it doesn’t need to be taught to our kids.”
The top school administrator also weighed in.
“Clearly, there are other ways to teach First Amendment rights without desecrating the flag,” said Frank Till, Cumberland County Schools Superintendent.
Francis has been placed on paid administrative leave, said The Fayetteville Observer, and was scheduled to meet with Cumberland County Schools officials on Thursday to discuss the matter.
“It’s really disconcerting,” Francis said. “My question to everyone is who is entitled to freedom of speech? Does everyone have access to freedom of speech? It’s unfortunate that all this has happened.”
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