The Jewish Press has decided to publish the full Resolution, passed by a majority of members of the student government of the University of California at Irvine, which bans the flying of American and other flags in the university’s main student government lobby.
The flag ban was passed by a majority of the student government on Thursday, March 5, but within 48 hours the student government executive cabinet met – with the full and public support of the UCI administration – and vetoed the flag ban.
However, the animus woven into this Resolution by college students – presumably leaders among their peers – at a premier American university should be seen by as many people as possible. It is essential to see what is happening within the hallowed bubble of American academia, and how hatred for the symbols of the nation which created the privileges they are spurning, has become mindlessly endemic.
Reminder: the UCI administration strongly condemned this Resolution and the executive cabinet of the student government which had passed the resolution by majority vote, vetoed the legislation within 48 hours (see full story here).
Flags and Decoration Adjustment for Inclusivity R50-70
Whereas flags are a symbol of a nation, are used as decorations and have a wide range of cultural significance.
Whereas flags are typically viewed as patriotic symbols of a single nation, are often associated with government and military due to their history and have a wide variety of interpretations.
Whereas the traditional patriotic interpretation of a flag is a result of a nation and/or persons who encourage a nationalistic understanding of the flag.
Whereas traditional understandings and ideologies, as encouraged by the national government, include liberty, democracy, constitution values and are up for interpretation on constituents.
Whereas flags not only serve as symbols of patriotism or weapons for nationalism, but also construct cultural mythologies and narratives that in turn charge nationalistic sentiments.
Whereas flags function specifically for a nation and
Whereas people are assimilated into national ideologies by deployment of this cultural artifact.
Whereas flags construct paradigms of conformity and sets homogenized standards for others to obtain which in this country typically are idolized as freedom, equality, and democracy.
Whereas symbolism is interpreted differently by different groups or persons based on individual unique experiences.
Whereas a common ideological understanding of the United states includes American exceptionalism and superiority.
Whereas the American flag is commonly flown in government public service locations, military related entities, at homes, in foreign lands where the US government has a presence.
Whereas the American flag has been flown in instances of colonialism and imperialism.
Whereas symbolism has negative and positive aspects that are interpreted differently by individuals.
Whereas displaying a flag does not express only selective aspects of its symbolism but the entire spectrum of its interpretation.
Whereas designing a culturally inclusive space is taken seriously by ASUCI
Whereas 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.
Whereas the removal of barriers is the best option at promoting an inclusive space.
Whereas it is a psychological effect for individuals to identify negative aspects of a space rather than positive ones.
Whereas whenever public spaces are produced and managed by narrow interests, they are bound to become exclusive places and
Whereas the planning process must be inclusive in such that designers are advised to forget about the ‘average’ user or themselves and instead begin the open space designing process with ‘deep knowledge’ of the preferences of the actual communities who are likely to use those spaces
