Arizona Rep. Austin Smith used the X platform to pose a question about the preference for school choice among many Arizona families, which he followed up with a video intended to serve as the "answer." This video featured footage from a recent incident at a Colorado public school, where a middle school student and his parent were engaged in a discussion with an administrator due to the removal of the boy from class for wearing a "Don't Tread on Me" patch on his backpack.
"Q: Why are so many families utilizing ESA’s and school choice options?!" Smith said on the social media site. "A:"
The video of the incident, which unfolded at a Colorado-based public charter school named Vanguard School, captures a conversation between an administrator at the school and the parent or guardian of the boy involved. During the conversation, the administrator states that the boy must remove the patch before returning to class due to the association with "slavery and slave trade", according to the X platform.
The patch on the boy's backpack was that of the Gadsden flag, tracing its roots back to the Revolutionary War. This flag, characterized by a yellow background with a coiled snake and the words "Don't Tread On Me" underneath, was allegedly used by the first naval commander-in-chief of the U.S. during the war. It initially served as a signal to the British monarchy and symbolized the unity among the 13 colonies. However, it later garnered slight associations with racism during the Tea Party Movement of 2009, according to Britannica.
"Obviously the Gadsden flag is a proud symbol of the American Revolution and an iconic warning to Britain or any government not to violate the liberties of Americans," said Jared Polis, Democratic Governor of Colorado, in a post on the X platform. "It appears on popular American medallions and challenge coins through today and Ben Franklin also adopted it to symbolize the union of the 13 colonies. It’s a great teaching moment for a history lesson!"
Colorado Governor Jared Polis utilized the X platform to support the use of the Gadsden flag following the incident. Meanwhile, the school reversed its initial decision to remove the boy from class due to the patch and allowed him to continue wearing it on his backpack. In an email sent out by the board, they stated, "The Vanguard School recognizes the historical significance of the Gadsden flag and its place in history. This incident is an occasion for us to reaffirm our deep commitment to a classical education in support of these American principles," according to Newsweek.
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