The Vanguard School in Colorado Springs, CO, said it was a mistake to have student Jaiden, 12, remove his Gadsden flag patch from his backpack. .“Upon learning of these events today, (we) called an emergency meeting,” said the Vanguard School Board of Directors in a Tuesday letter to the school’s families. .“From Vanguard’s founding, we have proudly supported our Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the ordered liberty that all Americans have enjoyed for almost 250 years.” .The Gadsden flag is a historical American flag with a yellow field depicting a timber rattlesnake coiled and ready to strike. Beneath the rattlesnake are the words "Don't tread on me." .The board of directors said a student came to school with patches affixed to his backpack, with a few depicting guns and weapons and one referencing alcohol. It said Vanguard School administrators saw the Gadsden flag patch and consulted with Harrison School District (HSD) 2 administrators, who directed it inform his parents it was prohibited. .The student returned with the patch visible on his backpack on Monday. Following HSD’s direction, administrators pulled the student aside so they could speak with his parents. .The board of directors acknowledged it “recognizes the historical significance of the Gadsden flag and its place in history.” This incident is an occasion for it to reaffirm its commitment to a classical education supporting these American principles..“At this time, the Vanguard School Board and the District have informed the student’s family that he may attend school with the Gadsden flag patch visible on his backpack,” it said.
