Edmond Life and Leisure - August 29, 2024

Let the American flag fly

From the Publisher

My oldest son Clark has a saying that has become popular in our family when he says, “You cannot put that toothpaste back in the tube.” His saying almost applies to the corner Edmond North High School administration put themselves into last week when they told a student he could not fly an American flag from his truck he drives to school.

The good news for the Edmond School District is that they can put the toothpaste back on this one and I am going to tell them how, but they need to drop typical academic posturing that has become so popular. It is tempting and almost the default setting for folks in education but the fix for this is simple. There are so many good folks in our district and especially those teaching and running Edmond North. It is a great school system, and this has nothing to do with taking away from that high standard.

If you have not been paying attention here is what happened last week:

On Wednesday, Edmond North High School senior Caleb Horst said he was told by school officials that he could not have the flag flying from his truck. "I’ve never really had problems with it before, and it’s our First Amendment, so it’s kind of hard for them to infringe upon our rights," Horst told KOCO 5. A mature response from Horst.

Students at Edmond North High School and Edmond residents protested at the school on Monday after a student was told they could not fly the American flag on their truck. Edmond Public Schools has said in a statement that the district’s no flag policy is not about patriotism or the flag itself but about safety. Yes, it did slow down traffic in the area.

I do not believe for a second that the administration of the good folks at North or running our public school system are anything but patriotic. As will happen with an incident like this is that folks can get out of control in name calling and accusations. Add social media to the mix and away we go with the name calling.

I believe my friend and U.S. Army veteran Jill Castilla said it best with her post:

“As a parent of two recent Edmond North High School graduates, I can attest that it is one of the most patriotic schools in the country. The AFJROTC unit is one of the largest, most esteemed in the nation due to the incredible support of the school's administration and our wonderful Edmond community. Both of our ENHS graduates attended military academies and serve in the Armed Forces as a result of their experience in high school. Criticize a policy, but assertions that this school is anything less than patriotic are just ridiculous.

Respect the flag. Serve our country. Strive for a more perfect union.”

Having raised five children and three graduated from North I could not agree more. My second oldest son was also in AFJROTC at North and served in the United States Army. Lack of patriotism was not the mistake that was made by the person who told Host to remove his flag. They just did not think it through. With my experience raising teens I can tell you issues can quickly escalate folks. This one went from one kid with an American flag on his truck to a full-blown protest and a bunch of flags on vehicles. This is where it being hard to put the toothpaste back in the tube comes into play. One truck with a flag was not a safety hazard but dozens of them might be. Teenagers are like a can of gasoline. You do not want to get it near fire because flames will take off. The person who told Horst to remove the flag just lit a match and threw it in the can. The person underestimated a teen’s ability to react to something they think is wrong.

If you do not think our teens are capable, look at the money all three high schools raise for others each year. It is in the hundreds of thousands of dollars folks. Parents be proud, your teens know how to stand up for what they believe in.

So, what is the solution? This will be hard and does not follow human nature. It is hard to swallow your pride, and I have had to do that a number of times in my 66 years. The Edmond School District should encourage American flags to be flown and for students to show their pride. Lean into it as they say. Have a giant American flag day for heaven’s sake. Invite veterans to assemblies to tell students what the flag means to them. I have dozens of ideas for you.

Whatever you do, do not clam up and go all academic on the students. Give them the victory that they deserve and encourage their patriotism.

Will they take my advice? Probably not which is too bad because it is really good stuff, I say mustering all the humility I can which admittedly is not much.

I did notice that the infamous Oklahoma State School Superintendent has jumped on the flap wanting to do an investigation. I am guessing he is trying to draw attention away from his own issues which abound. My advice to him and the state legislature is to make sure your own sandbox is clean before you dive into someone else’s.

Katy Boren named Market Vice President for Cox Communications in Oklahoma City

Cox Communications announced that Katy Boren has been appointed Market Vice President for Oklahoma City. In her role, Boren will oversee daily operations and champion both the customer and employee experience. She will also be responsible for expanding and deepening community and civic relationships while maintaining the company’s long-standing commitment to the Oklahoma City metropolitan area.

Previously, Boren served as the President and CEO of Oklahoma City’s Innovation District, where she spearheaded the creation of an ecosystem of collaboration, innovation and economic growth among Oklahoma City’s leading industries. Prior to that, she spent 14 years as the Vice President of Regulatory Affairs for Cox. She has also practiced oil and gas litigation, served as owner and CEO of her law practice and functioned as chief of the Utilities Regulation Unit for the Oklahoma Attorney General’s office.

With more than 20 years’ experience in the legal, regulatory and telecommunications fields, Boren’s extensive knowledge has positioned her well to lead Cox Communications and it’s Oklahoma City operation. She is a passionate community advocate and has served on the board of directors for Downtown Oklahoma City Partnership, Northeast Oklahoma City Renaissance, State of Oklahoma Broadband Governing Board, the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, Oklahoma Contemporary and others.

She has been recognized twice as one of the Journal Record’s Woman of the Year – Fifty Make a Difference honorees as well as the Journal Record’s list of the Most Innovative Women and Most Influential Oklahomans, and one of OKC Friday’s Oklahoma City’s Most Powerful Women.

An Oklahoma native, Boren received her Juris Doctor from the University of Oklahoma and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Denver.

(Ray Hibbard may be reached at ray@edmondpaper.com)