A Bedford County family decided to withdraw their son from Staunton River High School after the school requested him to remove American flags from his truck. Christopher Hartless, a senior, believes he should exercise his First Amendment right by displaying the American flag. He argued, “My family fought for America, and I feel like I should be able to represent the flag that they fought for.”

The school cited safety concerns, prohibiting large flags or banners on cars, deeming them distractions. Hartless refused to comply, keeping the flags on his truck. This sparked a debate on whether the school’s rule was justified. Some argued that the school had more pressing matters, while others supported the safety rule.

Ultimately, it appears Hartless is no longer at the school, with reports suggesting he either left voluntarily or was withdrawn by his family. He waved the flag in honor of his relatives who are U.S. veterans and questioned the school’s reasoning, stating, “I don’t understand how it’s a distraction if they have one displaying in the front of the school where everyone can see it.”