Student leaders at the University of California-Irvine vetoed a resolution on Saturday that would have banned hanging flags of any nation, including America's Stars and Stripes, in the lobby of student government offices, amid widespread criticism from students and alumni.
The student government at the University of California, Irvine, voted Tuesday to remove all American flags from one of their rooms, arguing that the flag could be considered offensive and anti-inclusive.+
Written by student Matthew Guevara, the resolution says that “flags construct paradigms of conformity and sets homogenized standards for others to obtain, which in this country typically are idolized as freedom, equality and democracy,” Campus Reform reported Friday.
It goes on to say that the American flag “has been flown in instances of colonialism and imperialism.” Therefore in the effort of making the “main lobby space as inclusive as possible,” all flags will be removed so as not to make students uncomfortable.
Mr. Guevara’s resolution says that the ASUCI supports freedom of speech, but adds that “freedom of speech, in a space that aims to be as inclusive as possible, can be interpreted as hate speech,” Campus Reform reported.
The bill concludes by saying that any other “decorative item” will be removed from the space if a student makes a complaint about it.
ASUCI President Reza Zomorrodian took to the group’s Facebook page to denounce the decision.
“I stand firmly against this piece of legislation,” Mr. Zomorrodian said. “Though I understand the author’s intent and supporters’ intent, I disagree with the solution Council has come to.
Lets all send these America hatters a message. If they don't like our flag. Get the Fuck Out of America,
Lets all send these America hatters a message. If they don't like our flag. Get the Fuck Out of America,
Matthew Guevara - https://www.facebook.com/matthew.guevara.50/about
khaaalidah Sidney - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Khaalidah-Sidney-for-Humanities-Representative/306755576118521 or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sVw2PegtKWI
NATY RICO - https://www.facebook.com/naty.rico.77?fref=ts
Matthew Tsai - https://www.facebook.com/matt.tsai
Negar Fatahi - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100005891775113&fref=ts
khaaalidah Sidney - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Khaalidah-Sidney-for-Humanities-Representative/306755576118521 or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sVw2PegtKWI
NATY RICO - https://www.facebook.com/naty.rico.77?fref=ts
Matthew Tsai - https://www.facebook.com/matt.tsai
Negar Fatahi - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100005891775113&fref=ts