YUHSD police flag decision sparks controversy during board meeting
13 On Your Side's Cody Lee has reaction from locals and what the board is saying
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Locals behind the 'Back the Blue' movement attended Wednesday evening's Yuma Union High School District (YUHSD) board meeting. This after the district’s decision to not allow the san Luis and Yuma Police Department flags in the graduation honor guards.
Leading up to graduation season, San Luis Police Department (SLPD) declined an invitation to have their honor guard participate in the San Luis High School graduation following the decision.
A Yuma Police Department (YPD) spokesperson is confirming they were told the same thing. However, YPD did not have enough officers to participate at every graduation - only attending two ceremonies.
In years past, agencies were able to present their flags.
According to a statement from the district, the request was to ensure all of the more than two thousand seniors graduating had an equitable experience across our district.
One Yuma alum made a passionate statement in front of the board.
“Give them some respect, its a flag, lets not get political. Lets stay righteous and do what were supposed to do. Each and every person in here, when you go home tonight you may not see it but there is a cop around the corner,” he said.
Both agency flags display a thin blue line. It represents honor and respect to those that have given their lives in the line of duty. The line has become more popular over the past few years after the 'Black Lives Matter' movement surfaced.
