Bloomington school bans Confederate flag after complaints

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (AP) – Officials at a high school in Bloomington have banned the Confederate flag after students wore T-shirts and hats featuring the flag.

Administrators at Bloomington North High School made the decision Wednesday after receiving complaints. Students also draped the flag over their shoulders, like capes.

Later in the day about 50 students, parents and educators met with Superintendent Judy DeMuth. The (Bloomington) Herald-Times reports that many students said the flag’s presence made them feel physically unsafe. The students reported being bullied by those wearing the flags.

DeMuth says Principal Jeffry Henderson had officially banned the flag from appearing at the school or school-sponsored events and sent a letter to parents and guardians about his decision. Henderson said the issue “created a substantial disruption to the educational environment.”