HCPSS Bans Swastika and Confederate Flag
Kenny Ling '21 Staff Writer
“Promoting hatred” is never a welcoming sight to see, especially on school grounds. On October 8, the Board of Education unanimously approved a ban that prohibits images or symbols that promote hatred, intimidation or harassment. This ban includes — but is not limited to — the Confederate flag and Swastika. These hate symbols are no longer allowed on HCPSS property, which encompasses clothing, vehicles and school-related events. The approved ban was initiated through the modification of the school system’s bullying, harassment and intimidation policy and the student code of conduct. Anderson Coreas, a junior at Oakland Mills high school, gives his opinion regarding the ban: “Honestly I thought that the Board (of Education) already had a ban on the Nazi symbol and Confederate flag, so this to me seems long overdue.” Mr. Schroder, a teacher at Howard, also had a similar opinion regarding the timeliness of the ban, saying, “I’m surprised it wasn’t something already enacted. It took them until 2020 to look into it.” The Howard County Public School system is not the first to ban the Confederate flag and Swastika in Maryland. The hate symbols were banned from Westminster High School property back in 2018 due to many students representing the Confederate flag on their clothing and vehicles. Students agree that the banning of hate symbols creates a unified community in school. “I think that since the people can’t rep the Swastika and Confederate flag anymore, it makes us all a little bit more comfortable around each other,” says Nathaniel Smith, a senior at Howard.
Based on the severity and level of offense, punishments for violating the modified policy will vary, ranging from smaller penalties to expulsion for repeated offenses, in accordance with the school’s code of conduct. Although it was stated in the ban that hate symbols would be banned on school property, only the Confederate flag and Swastika were specified by name. It is likely other hate symbols that become prominent throughout Howard County will be added to the policy and code of conduct. With this notable decision from the Board of Education, there is no doubt that Howard County has taken a greater step in support of inclusivity
Based on the severity and level of offense, punishments for violating the modified policy will vary, ranging from smaller penalties to expulsion for repeated offenses, in accordance with the school’s code of conduct. Although it was stated in the ban that hate symbols would be banned on school property, only the Confederate flag and Swastika were specified by name. It is likely other hate symbols that become prominent throughout Howard County will be added to the policy and code of conduct. With this notable decision from the Board of Education, there is no doubt that Howard County has taken a greater step in support of inclusivity