A high school senior in Baltimore County has been suspended following a dispute over the absence of American flags in his classrooms, an issue he raised in line with a state law requiring flags in all public school rooms.
The 18-year-old student, who is preparing to join the U.S. Marine Corps and serves as captain of his football team, reported the missing flags in two classrooms earlier this year. After receiving no response from school staff, he took his concerns directly to the county’s board of education.
During his visit, he began recording his interaction with staff, insisting he had the right to document the meeting. When asked to stop and leave the premises, he refused, prompting officials to call law enforcement. He was then escorted from the building.
Following the incident, the student was suspended and prohibited from returning to any district property. In response, he has filed a lawsuit claiming the suspension was retaliatory and violated his rights.
The school district maintains that flag installations were already in progress and disputes claims that the issue was being ignored. The situation has sparked broader debate over student advocacy, transparency in school policy enforcement, and the boundaries of disciplinary action.