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The team's use of the symbol received swift backlash online, with some calling the move 'openly racist'
A thin blue line flag has been banned by a local high school in Neptune Beach, Florida following a series of complaints that circulated on social media, according to a report by News4Jax.
According to the outlet, the Fletcher High School football team started carrying the pro-law enforcement flag last year, as a way for one of its players, Caelan Lavender, to honor his late father, Cpl. Andy Lavender. Mr. Lavender was a Jacksonville Beach police officer who unexpectedly passed away in August 2019 after 29 years in law enforcement, and was active in sports programs.
“He was one of a kind,” his wife, Lorie Lavender, told News4Jax. “And he is very much missed and loved.”
The team's use of the symbol received swift backlash online, with some calling the move "openly racist."
Debate over the flag's meaning has come into question amid widespread protests against police brutality sparked by the death of George Floyd back in May. The flag is known as a pro-law enforcement symbol.
Continued below.
Florida high school bans football team's police flag after critics deem it "openly racist"
A thin blue line flag has been banned by a local high school in Neptune Beach, Florida following a series of complaints that circulated on social media, according to a report by News4Jax.
According to the outlet, the Fletcher High School football team started carrying the pro-law enforcement flag last year, as a way for one of its players, Caelan Lavender, to honor his late father, Cpl. Andy Lavender. Mr. Lavender was a Jacksonville Beach police officer who unexpectedly passed away in August 2019 after 29 years in law enforcement, and was active in sports programs.
“He was one of a kind,” his wife, Lorie Lavender, told News4Jax. “And he is very much missed and loved.”
The team's use of the symbol received swift backlash online, with some calling the move "openly racist."
Debate over the flag's meaning has come into question amid widespread protests against police brutality sparked by the death of George Floyd back in May. The flag is known as a pro-law enforcement symbol.
Continued below.
Florida high school bans football team's police flag after critics deem it "openly racist"
