Just days after a principal banned students from carrying American flags into the stands of a high school football game, he has reversed his decision.
According to Greenville Online, Principal Lou Lavely of Travelers Rest High School in South Carolina met with student and faculty leaders on Monday, and reversed his decision to ban American flags from games shortly afterward.
Greenville County Schools spokeswoman Beth Brotherton said that students are allowed to bring the American flag to all Travelers Rest events, effective immediately.
"Instead of restricting possession of the flag, the TRHS administration will, if needed, address the misuse of the flag, or any other inappropriate behavior, on an individual basis," she said.
Lavely and Travelers Rest came under fire after the decision last Friday to prevent students from bringing American flags into the stadium for their football game against Berea High School. Many students took to social media, which brought the issue into the national spotlight.
Lavely was concerned that the flags would be used to taunt the opposing school, which has a 31 percent Hispanic student body according to its 2015 state report card. The decision was originally supported by both the school district and the opposing school.
School Superintendent Burke Royster praised Laveley's willingness to compromise after listening to his community.
"I am appreciative of the Travelers Rest High School community for sharing its concerns and opinions on this matter in a respectful, civil manner," Royster said in a statement, "I also appreciate and applaud their desire to promote patriotism and service as a part of the culture of their school and am in agreement that students' desire to carry and display the American flag should be encouraged and supported throughout the district."
The next Travelers Rest home football game is scheduled for Sept. 9.
