On Thursday, March 7, posts began to emerge on social media saying East Central High School (ECHS) senior, Cameron Blasek, was asked by school staff to remove the American Flag he had flying on his truck in the East Central parking lot. There were concerns if they allowed his flag, they would have to allow other flags to be displayed that could be offensive. As the post began to gain attention, questions were raised by many, prompting the principal, Tom Black, to issue a statement the following day. Black ensured parents the school supports patriotism and that the U.S. Flag will be allowed on vehicles in the East Central parking lot.

Cameron has been proudly flying the American Flag on his truck since the beginning of the school year with no issues. But on Thursday, Cameron said that changed.

"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."

He was then given permission by Black to have his Flag on his truck at school for the remainder of the year. Cameron shared why it was so important to him to do so.

"It represents this beautiful country of ours that my family and I have pride in," Cameron said. "Men and women fought and lost their lives for me and others to have the right to fly that Flag in our front yard and our trucks. I respect and appreciate those heroes for that. I also believe it's one of my rights as an American to fly that Flag, as it says in my First Amendment right."

By Friday afternoon, the East Central Principal sent a letter to parents addressing the situation. The letter stated:

Dear 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.

Thank you for your understanding and ongoing support of East Central High School.

Tom Black, principal

The superintendent, Andrew Jackson, further clarified what prompted the conversation with Cameron.

"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."

After the original post went viral, Cameron shared he was surprised by the response on social media.

"I wasn't expecting any of that. I kind of wish it would have never happened in the first place. I wish the school had never said anything. But I am glad it happened to me and not another student who would have just said, 'I'll take it down off the back of my truck.' I was glad so many stood behind me."

As Cameron approaches his graduation from high school, he shares his plans for the future.

"After high school, I am looking into the military, kind of dabbling back and forth between branches. I'm leaning towards the Army, but I am not 100% set. I am talking to different recruiters. I go to vocational school for welding and will be certified this year. So, hopefully, I am planning on doing something along the lines of that."