Student senate at University of California Davis thinks the American flag is "optional."
http://www.sacbee.com/news/local/education/article145130714.htmlThe resolution says that since “the concept of United States of America and patriotism is different for every individual, it should not be compulsory that the flag is in view at all times during Senate meetings.”
Jose Antonio Meneses, who introduced the resolution, said the changes were meant to ensure the student government is following federal law, which he says doesn’t allow an organization to mandate displaying the flag.
“It wasn’t political in any way,” Meneses said. “But because it is the United States flag ... it’s a touchy subject to talk about. We want to make sure we are not sued.”
The concept of patriotism is certainly different for different people, but the "concept" of the United States of America is not optional or open for debate. It's the country we live in and the government we live under. No discussion necessary or allowed. If you want to change the "concept" of the United States of America, get elected to national office and introduce a bill to change what you don't like.
As for the claim that federal law "doesn't allow an organization to mandate displaying the flag," that's flat out wrong. Flag Code:
https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/USCODE-2011-title4/html/USCODE-2011-title4-chap1.htmThere's nothing in that to prohibit any organization from mandating the display of the flag.
