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| Europe |
| The War Against the Swedish Flag |
| 2015-08-23 |
| In 2007, a 13-year-old student was thrown out of classroom in Råneå elementary school in the municipality of Luleå because he had a shirt with the Swedish flag. The teacher who threw out the student had asked the student to take off the shirt or wear it inside out. When the student refused, he was thrown out of the classroom. The school's headmaster said that the Swedish flag may be perceived as a symbol for Nazism and it was school policy that students may not wear shirts with the Swedish flag. Råneå elementary school is not a special school with a special focus, but a conventional public elementary school in Sweden. In July 2015, Söndrum elementary school in Halmstad detailed in an internal memo rules on when and how the Swedish flag would be displayed or not displayed: "In Söndrum school, the Swedish flag is used for flag days according to the Swedish calendar. The school management is responsible for the flagging. Other use of Swedish or other flag is made in connection with international exchanges. No other use of the Swedish flag is allowed. The traditions at the school is something most students look forward to. When we have days with elements of masquerade and music, the goal is that these days should be perceived as positive by all. The Swedish flag may not be included in the masquerade costume. Masquerade and the performances must also be free of elements of weapon. It is positive and bright emotions that must be highlighted. If we can also with this rule help someone not to offend another person, not commit the crime called hate speech or not to break the rules for the use of the Swedish flag, the happiness doubles." Much more at the link, with footnotes. |
| Posted by:Thraling Hupoluns2819 |