Students at University of California, Vote to Ban American Flag, Draw Criticism

Jonah Hicap Monday, March 09, 2015

The University of California, Irvine, posted this photo on its Facebook account with this caption: 'And contrary to what you might be hearing, flags are still flying at UC Irvine.' | U.C. IRVINE

The student organization at the University of California, Irvine, has passed a resolution banning the American flag and other nations' flags at the common lobby area of its office, drawing criticisms from students and alumni.

In a vote of six "yes," four "no" and two abstentions, the legislative council of the Associated Students of U.C. Irvine passed the resolution on March 5.

The measure called R50-70 was authored by Social Ecology representative Matthew Guevara and Khaalidah Sidney.

Those who voted to pass the resolution were students Guevara, Sidney, John Salazar, Naty Rico, Matthew Tsai and Negar Fatahi.

The resolution said "no flag, of any nation, may be hanged on the walls of the Associate Student main lobby space" to make it "as inclusive as possible."

In explaining the rationale behind the resolution, the authors said the "common ideological understanding of the United States includes American exceptionalism and superiority."

The resolution said "the American flag has been flown in instances of colonialism and imperialism."

It said the student organization takes seriously the idea of "designing a culturally inclusive space."

According to the resolution "designing a culturally inclusive space aims to remove barriers that create undue effort and separation by planning and designing spaces that enable everyone to participate equally and confidently."

The flags are described in the resolution as "barriers."

But the resolution has only drawn criticisms. Reza Zomorrodian, the president of the student organization, said he was against it. "I stand firmly against this piece of legislation. Though I understand the authors' intent and supporters' intent, I disagree with the solution Council has come to," he said in a statement.

On the University of California, Irvine News website, an announcement said "this legislation is not endorsed or supported in any way by the campus leadership."

The executive cabinet of the student government was set to meet on Saturday to discuss a possible veto on the resolution.