Principal Thomas Black told Cameron that the school had the right to ask him to take down the flag. Allegedly, the principal said that if Cameron was allowed to fly his flag then other students might want to fly other flags. Those flags might be offensive to others, he said. The implication was that the American flag is offensive to some Americans - those on the progressive side of the aisle - and apparently Principal Black thought he was heading off potential problems down the road. Instead what he did was make this kid's expression of patriotism go viral. 

I watched an interview with Cameron last night on Fox News Channel. He explained how he won the battle. He proved that he followed the school's handbook for students. He has been flying it all year but only now was the principal and school counselor asking him to take it down. 

Cameron's story was told in a Facebook post. 

"Over the summer, me and my buddy had put them on our truck, and my buddy took his down when the school year started, and I just left mine up. It had not been an issue until now," Cameron explained. "I got pulled aside at lunch and was told by the vice principal and counselor, 'Hey Cameron, you got to remove the Flag from the back of your truck.' I said, 'It's not happening.’ I told them it would be there all day today and first thing in the morning tomorrow, too. Then they said if you don't take it down, you are getting written up for insubordination. Then they said we could go to the office and talk about it more if I would like."

Later in the day, he was called to the office to discuss the situation further. After the vice principal expressed his concerns, Cameron said he had shown his counselor and vice principal his research on the laws regarding flying an American flag on a vehicle. He pointed out he was following all the required laws and regulations. At that point, Cameron said the conversation had ended.

Cameron went home that night and told his parents about what happened. They told him if it is something he believes in, he should stand his ground and have their complete support. When he returned to school the next morning, he found nearly two dozen high schoolers showed up to school with the American Flag on their vehicles.

Cameron was called back to the office, where he spoke to the principal. He said the principal expressed concerns similar to those of the vice principal regarding flying the Flag on a vehicle at school. Cameron stated that he presented the same laws and regulations to the principal as he did to the vice principal and counselor.

"Then Mr. Black told me the school has a right to request that I remove the flag," Cameron said. "I pretty much told him, well, you are just asking me to, but I don't have to."

It turns out that other students came to school displaying American flags as Cameron was doing to support him. The principal said he could fly it for the rest of the school year. 

It only took a day for the principal to realize he picked on the wrong student and he backtracked. A letter was written to parents. 

I am writing to address recent concerns and confusion regarding the display of the U.S. flag by students at East Central High School parking lot.

First and foremost, I want to emphasize we encourage expressions of patriotism and pride in our nation among our students and staff. 

After careful consideration and in recognition of the importance of the U.S. flag as a symbol of unity and national identity, I am pleased to inform you that we are allowing the display of the U.S. Flag by students in the East Central parking lot. I understand the significance of this symbol and the pride it instills in our students, teachers, and the entire school community. I share this pride. Students will be expected to display the U.S. flag properly and in accordance with the U.S. Flag code. 

I would like to extend my sincere apologies for any confusion that may have arisen due to the initial lack of clarity on this matter. My goal is to provide an environment that promotes respect, understanding, and open communication. I appreciate the concerns raised by members of our community.

Moving forward, we remain committed to maintaining open lines of communication and ensuring that our policies reflect the values and aspirations of our school community. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to me.

In the interview last night on FNC, Cameron explained that it is a patriotic gesture because he honors those who serve our country and veterans, as well as those who lost their lives in defending America. His parents raised this young man right. He is considering enlisting in the military. 

School superintendent Andrew Jackson clarified that displaying the American flag does not mean all flags can be displayed. He had the common sense to explain that to the misguided principal and school counselor. 

"The administration was under the misunderstanding that if we allow students to display the U.S. flag in the parking lot, then we must allow them to display all other flags as well. They were concerned that we would be required to allow flags that are controversial or even offensive. I spoke with them this morning and explained that allowing ECHS students to display the U.S. flag does not require us to allow all flags, especially any flag that is offensive. We proudly display the U.S. flag in front of each school as well as in each classroom."

Cameron goes to vocational school for welding and will be certified this year. He hopes to do something along those lines after graduation. He is currently leaning toward enlisting with the Army but may choose a different branch. 

This young man is to be applauded. His parents deserve a pat on their backs. Job well done.

The next school board meeting is Thursday. It could get spicy, don't you think?