A Massachusetts college is removing the American flag from its campus. Days after the election, someone burned the American flag at Hampshire College in Amherst. The school then put up a new flag and lowered it to half-staff, in solidarity with those fearing a Donald Trump presidency. That sparked backlash from those who see the flag as a symbol for all that is great about America. School leaders have decided to remove it entirely. "If we could remove the conflict over the symbol and get to the real issues underneath, there would be a chance for real learning," Jonathan Lash, president of Hampshire College said. The reaction on campus to the decision to remove the flag has been mixed. "It's been used as a symbol to ostracize people, but I also stand with people," a student said. "As the son of a veteran (I) recognize the value of the flag as a symbol for the country and what it can stand for." "If our president is Donald Trump, I don't think any school, especially this school, should really support his ideas by raising the flag," a student said. The school may eventually fly the American flag once again, but in the meantime, the focus on deep and meaningful conversations over what the red, white and blue really stands for.

A Massachusetts college is removing the American flag from its campus.

Days after the election, someone burned the American flag at Hampshire College in Amherst.


The school then put up a new flag and lowered it to half-staff, in solidarity with those fearing a Donald Trump presidency.

That sparked backlash from those who see the flag as a symbol for all that is great about America.

School leaders have decided to remove it entirely.

"If we could remove the conflict over the symbol and get to the real issues underneath, there would be a chance for real learning," Jonathan Lash, president of Hampshire College said.

The reaction on campus to the decision to remove the flag has been mixed.

"It's been used as a symbol to ostracize people, but I also stand with people," a student said. "As the son of a veteran (I) recognize the value of the flag as a symbol for the country and what it can stand for."

"If our president is Donald Trump, I don't think any school, especially this school, should really support his ideas by raising the flag," a student said.

The school may eventually fly the American flag once again, but in the meantime, the focus on deep and meaningful conversations over what the red, white and blue really stands for.