Why are there no American Flags in the Classroom?
On a recent visit to one of FMSD charter schools, I noticed their were NO U.S. flags hanging in any of their classrooms. I asked the principal why there were no American flags in the classrooms? They responded, "That's how it is in all our classrooms."
I later communicated that it is a requirement in the California Education Code:
California Code, Education Code - EDC § 38117
My question is besides the requirement, why would we NOT have the symbol of patriotism and freedoms we enjoy in America be in a prominent place of display in EVERY classroom and building in our schools?
On another visit to one of our FMSD middle schools, I observed an LGBTQ+ flag hanging in the front of a classroom in place of the U.S. flag. There was NO American flag in that classroom!
I brought that to the Superintendent's attention. How would parents of FMSD children ever know that a teacher or teachers promote their personal preferences in their classrooms instead of posting the American flag, which is required by California Education Code and FMSD Board policy?
Update-Response received 10/24/25:
Dear Trustee Cooper,
Thank you again for reaching out and sharing your convictions about patriotism and the importance of the U.S. flag display.
We appreciate you directing us to the specific references in the California Education Code (EDC § 38117 and EDC § 52720). Following your inquiry, we asked our legal team to review these statutes, which primarily govern traditional public-school districts.
(Name and some content redacted per request.)
However, we share your commitment to promoting civic duty and pride in our country. This is incorporated as part of the civic education curriculum we teach our students. To further reinforce this core value, we have decided to add U.S. flags in classrooms at (Name redacted per request) Charter School.
We hope this demonstrates our commitment to being responsible stewards of civic education. We value your long-standing support of public charters in the district.
Sincerely,
--
(Names redacted per request)
Director of Policy, Advocacy, and Community Engagement
