This past week, a local Oregon school bus driver was fired by his school district for flying the Confederate Flag out of his own truck. He was dismissed after he refused an order from school officials to remove the flag, which is emblazoned with the word "Redneck". The school said that the flag violated a policy prohibiting symbols that "could be offensive to minorities". While multiple civil rights groups have applauded the decision, others have called for the removal of the school officials.
Personally, I have to disagree with the decision made by the school board. First off, I do not think that his intentions are meant to be harmful to African-Americans. While slavery and black oppression will forever be associated with the Confederate Flag, it was absolutely not intended. As society and the southern identity has progressed, the meaning of the Confederate Flag shows southern loyalty. This is very similar with the Texas and the Colorado flags. The citizens of these states are attached to their heritage from this place, just like Southerns. Secondly, the school bus driver is flying the flag on his own private property and not on the school's property. Lastly, the word "redneck" across the flag again proves the point that the flag is simply the driver's way of showing pride in his upbringing. There is nothing wrong with that.
This seems to be a difficult issue to deal with. I can see the argument from both sides. I think the school chose the safest and most agreed upon route. I can see how it is very offensive to fly this flag with the word "redneck" on it. I agree with you that it is his property and he can do what he pleases and represent his beliefs. I think someone who flies a confederate flag that reads in big letters "redneck" is a reflection of the persons character. Although if the school does not want to be affiliated with this man who does fly such a flag it is their choice also.So I definitely agree that if he wants to fly he should. But if the school doesn't want to promote or to associate with that belief they also have a right to disassociate their school from the bus driver. It is a very fragile subject.
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