Boy Allowed To Fly American Flag At School

The 13 year old boy who was told to take the American flag off his bike when he rode it on campus was allowed to keep his flag today, reversing a decision that drew outrage from around the nation.  The school's phone system was inoperable most of the day because so many phone calls and e-mails were coming in to complain.

"I'm glad so many people are on my side who thought I should be able to fly the flag," Alicea told FOX40 News after he rode home with the flag flying behind him on a short pole.

Alicia's family has a long history of military service and he wants to join the Air Force when he is older.


Alicea had been riding his bike to school for about two months with his flag attached to it.  Earlier this week he was asked to remove it by a school employee.

Ed Parraz, the Superintendent of the Denair School District told us a school supervisor asked Cody to take down the flag. The supervisor will not be fired or face repercussions. Parraz says the supervisor had information that Cody Alicea's safety was at risk because of the flag. Some students had complained about it and had apparently made threats.

"The last thing we wanted was to deny Cody his rights," said Parraz speaking about the boy's wish to fly the American flag.

Parraz said national flags were banned from campus after a Cinco De Mayo incident when tensions escalated between students displaying the Mexican flag and those waving the Stars and Stripes.  Recently, several students complained and there was even one threat.

"I think it would be irresponsible of us if we kind of shined it on and let him have the flag and he got jumped or something like that and got hurt," said Parraz.

But Alicea said, "I never feel threatned or unsafe while flying the flag."

He was greeted by a swarm of media outlets when he got out of school. At home he did more interviews with print, radio and television reporters.  He was a  bit unnerved by all the attention.  His biggest concern was that Parraz was being villified.  "I don't want him to be fired.  I know where he was coming from.  I like him. He's a nice guy," said Alicea.

Parraz says they have decided to focus on those students who are causing the problem, not the flag. Cody is now allowed to ride onto school campus with Old Glory on the back. Parraz is aware of the outcry across the nation over this story. He says they embrace the American flag, they are patriotic, but that their main priority is keeping students safe.