Parents and students unite in opposition to Oklahoma school's flag ban on teen's truck.

In Oklahoma, a high school student is receiving broad backing after being denied permission to display the American flag on his truck.

Caleb Horst, an Edmond North High School senior, said on Aug. 21 that school officials informed him it's customary not to bring flags onto campus. Nevertheless, Horst stated in an interview with KOCO that he has been flying the flag from his truck without any issues for a long time.

Horst stated, "Although I haven't faced issues with it previously, it being our First Amendment makes it challenging for them to encroach upon our rights."

On Monday morning, a group of students and parents gathered to support Horst and his right to display the American flag. According to KOCO, approximately 50 vehicles with American flags circled the school in protest.

Vance Miller, a senior at Edmond North, stated that since he has a brother in the military, the flag's significance hit home to him. He explained that it would be different if they were trying to make a political statement, but there was nothing political about it.

"What is the meaning of the flag tomorrow? Lynn McNeely, a parent of an Edmond North student, stated that it is not a protest, not political, and not about red or blue. Instead, it is about red, white, and blue. So, where do we draw the line?"

Horst stated, "Ultimately, we are all Americans, bound together under that flag, and no action can divide us."

Edmond Public Schools stated that their policy on flag flying was not related to patriotism, but rather for safety reasons to prevent distraction.

Edmond Public Schools prohibit students from flying or bringing flags on school campuses. This policy has been in place for several years and is communicated to students at the beginning of the school year along with other policies and procedures. The practice aims to prevent disruptions and distractions during the school day and to ensure a safe school environment. Flying flags on vehicles in the parking lot can create safety issues and cause damage to other vehicles.

"Edmond Public Schools proudly displays the American flag prominently and in the proper, respectful way outside each of our buildings and in our classrooms. We recite the Pledge of Allegiance every morning as we start our school day and present the colors and play the national anthem at most of our athletic events. These things are done in the proper fashion according to flag etiquette."

The controversy surrounding the student's actions drew the attention of Oklahoma Superintendent Ryan Walters and "Dukes of Hazzard" actor John Schneider, who publicly supported the student through online videos.

On Monday, Walters stated that new guidelines regarding students' right to display the American flag in schools would be issued by the state.

"No student in Oklahoma should be prevented from waving an American flag. We have had Americans sacrifice their lives to protect the flag and the right of students to display it, wave it, and be proud of it. My department is currently developing guidelines to ensure that no student is discriminated against for having an American flag and that our schools promote patriotism."

Schneider commended the student on social media, concluding his video with a "yeehaw!".

"He praised Caleb Horst and the supporters in Edmond, Oklahoma, in a Facebook video. He encouraged everyone who had displayed flags on their vehicles to be recognized and celebrated."