GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Forest Hills Superintendent Dan Behm has apologized for the actions of a group of students who upset many during a Friday Grand Rapids football game by brazenly waving a Donald Trump political flag and a "Betsy Ross" 13-star flag.



Grand Rapids Public Schools' Ottawa Hills High played Forest Hills Central at Houseman Field on Sept. 9. GRPS school leaders, parents and community members found the presentation of the flags at a game hosted by a predominately black high school to be inappropriate.

Related: Trump and 'Betsy Ross' flags at Grand Rapids Schools football game raise ruckus

The scene was described as disturbing and seen as taunting by some in the crowd, and on Saturday, Sept. 10, it generated a social media firestorm.

In a Monday, Sept. 12, letter to Forest Hills and GRPS families, Behm said the lessons we learn as youth is that if our actions cause harm to others, the impact is the same regardless of one's intent.

"Injecting partisan politics into a community football game and into a commemoration of the events of September 11th is inappropriate," he said, noting that the actions of some and the inaction of others brought disrespect and confusion to many.

"Parading our current United States flag in a manner that is inconsistent with proper etiquette is disrespectful to all who have served our nation. And, to wave a historical version of our flag, that to some symbolizes exclusion and hate, injects hostility and confusion to an event where no one intended to do so. To our gracious hosts--the students, families, staff, and community of Grand Rapids Ottawa Hills High School and Grand Rapids Public Schools--and to the student-athletes, coaches, officials, and supporters of both teams, we are truly sorry."

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has been criticized by members of both political parties for bigotry and racist rhetoric. The Betsy Ross flag is controversial, in part, because it is embraced by white nationalist organizations whose members claim a superior birthright.

Behm said Friday's actions are not characteristic of their schools, staff, students, or community, and they represent a lack of knowledge.

As a learning organization, he said they have a "unique and precious opportunity" to continue to grow, build understanding, and demonstrate the true nature of their students and community.

GRPS Superintendent Teresa Weatherall Neal thanked Behm for his leadership, his letter and apology.

"I cannot deny the hurt, disrespect, and outrage that I and so many others in this community felt about these actions that took place in our backyard, in our home at Houseman Field," said Neal, who thanked those who expressed their deep concerns and disappointment about what transpired.

"This type of behavior should not and will not be tolerated in our stadium or schools - nor should it in any across our state and nation."

Neal agreed with Behm that as educators they need to use this as a teachable moment. She said they could work together with the Kent ISD and the Michigan High School Athletic Association to ensure everyone is better informed, more culturally sensitive, and prepared to create an atmosphere where everyone is welcomed, respected and can enjoy an athletic event together.

Behm said the district's hope is that Forest Hills and GRPS not only meet on the playing field, but spend time building relationships that will unify the broader community.

"I am heartened by our students from Forest Hills Central who have taken the initiative to reach out to their peers at Ottawa Hills High School," he said.

"This work happens through unhurried dialogue, listening, sitting side-by-side, and taking action. This work does not happen through tweets, posts, political posturing, or retreating to our familiar bubbles.''

Behm said too much of the rhetoric in our society today, and witnessed by young people, fails to meet the standards of civic and civil discourse. He said our youth can model a different way.

"If we create the right conditions, they can lead us from pain to progress," Behm wrote in his letter. "We can and will have dialogue about fear, justice, racism, rights, freedoms, responsibilities, personal convictions, and how--even in our polarized political climate--we can work to "form a more perfect Union."