Vermont school district raises Somali flag, sparking national outrage

A Vermont school district’s decision to raise the Somali flag for a week has prompted criticism from state Republican leaders and generated wide attention on social media, leading the district to clarify its flag protocol and explain the purpose of the display.

The Winooski School District announced on Dec. 5 that it had raised the Somali flag “in honor of our Somali youth and families in Winooski and Vermont,” adding that students and families would gather the following week “to celebrate together and to learn more about our civil rights.” Images of the flag-raising circulated over the weekend as the story went viral on X.

On Monday, the district issued a clarification specifying that the US flag had not been moved from its primary position. “First, we want to assure our community that the United States flag remains in its proper place at the highest point, in full accordance with the U.S. Flag Code,” the statement said. The district noted it has three masts, with the US flag on top, the Vermont state flag on the second, and the Somali flag “on the third” for the week.

Vermont Republican Party chairman Paul Dame criticized the decision, telling Fox News, “I just don't understand why our K through 12 schools think this is the most important thing,” and said schools should prioritize academics. He described the move as “intentionally provocative” and argued it could create division among students.

Supporters of the district expressed approval on its Facebook page. One person wrote, “Very proud to be an alumni of this wonderful school district.” Another user said, “Grateful for our Somali neighbors – you are welcome and I appreciate your contributions to our city!”

Opposition was stronger on X. Brigitte Gabriel, founder of ACT for America, wrote, “We shouldn't be flying foreign flags on public school grounds in America. Especially, the Somali flag!”

Benny Johnson wrote that the district “has put up a Somali flag in protest to President Trump,” and added, “I’ve got a suggestion for ICE’s next stop.”

It comes as federal agencies continue investigating alleged fraud schemes involving members of Minnesota’s Somali community, including Covid relief fraud and public housing-related schemes. Authorities are also reviewing claims that some funds were routed to the terrorist organization Al-Shabaab. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has been criticized by state employees who say his administration ignored warnings.

President Donald Trump has commented on the controversy repeatedly over the past couple of weeks, including writing on Truth Social, “Minnesota, under Governor Walz, is a hub of fraudulent money laundering activity,” and announcing he was terminating Temporary Protected Status for Somalis in the state.