National pride draws penalty

[KG]

A Freedom High School junior is suspended after he brings a Colombian flag to the school. His suspension sets off protests.
By RODNEY THRASH and MELANIE AVE
Published October 7, 2004

TAMPA - Draped across Juan Balcazar's book bag Sept. 29 was the yellow, blue and red flag of Colombia, the homeland he left 31/2 years ago.

It was Hispanic Heritage Month, and the 17-year-old junior at Freedom High School, wanted to show his pride.

The assistant principal had different ideas.

"Take it off," Balcazar remembers Frank Oliver telling him.

The next morning, when Balcazar strolled into the cafeteria, again wearing the Colombian flag, Oliver couldn't believe his eyes.

"Take it off and give it to me," he said.

Balcazar didn't oblige. As a result, he spent Friday, Monday and Tuesday at home, suspended from school.

By Tuesday, his suspension was the talk of the Tampa Palms campus. Hispanic students, outraged, wore Colombian and Puerto Rican flags on T-shirts and around their waists and wrists.

After another heated exchange, five more students were suspended.

MORE>>>>
http://www.stpetersburgtimes.com/2004/10/07/Hillsborough/National_pride_draws_.shtml

this happened in the wealthy part of town.....