In a message dated 01-09-24 09:33:58 EDT, Lori Allen writes: << That being said, as for private offices and areas where the public and even volunteers are not allowed, I see no reason other than fairness to all employees. ("If I can't have one, why can he?") It could also be seen as hate mongering, as some use the flag and patriotism as an excuse to berate or antagonize persons of middle eastern descent. Then you have a liability for potential discrimination lawsuits. >> Sorry, but I think the suggestion that placing a flag on one's desk might be construed as somehow discriminatory is unbelievably offensive and insensitive. This is the kind of nonsense that gives political correctness a bad name. When an American citizen is not allowed to display an American flag in America, something is horribly wrong. In the last couple of weeks American flags have been displayed by non-Americans all over the world. On one hand, flags have been so ubiquitous lately that it's hard to believe anyone would think twice about needing an administrator's permission to display one. On the other, recognition of the constitutional principle of free speech should guarantee anyone the right to show a flag even when no one else is doing so--either in a time of national crisis OR in a time of total peace and tranquility. Indeed, an American flag should not be used as "an excuse to berate or antagonize persons of middle eastern descent", but neither should it be used as an excuse to assume the worst--that the purpose of displaying the flag is intended to intimidate anyone. A few months ago I sponsored a fellowship in our museum for a scholar from India. She displayed an American flag in her work area and no one thought anything of it, as far as I know. Neither would anyone have been bothered if she had displayed an Indian flag. Flags can be potent emotional symbols, to be sure, but it is ridiculous and patently unfair to assume that anyone displaying one is trying to provoke a fight. Discriminatory words and bellicose actions would indicate that, and should not be tolerated. But I think anyone who would automatically fear an American displaying an American flag in America, during this period or any other, is seriously overreacting. You should not be expected to conceal your patriotism or love of country because it might make someone "of middle eastern descent" nervous. Plenty of Americans "of middle eastern descent" have been displaying American flags lately, in case you haven't noticed. You don't have to wave a flag to be a bigot, and I resent the notion that displaying one might brand you as a bigot. Talk about profiling! I seriously doubt that anyone who displays a flag or allows their employees to display flags is going to be liable for a discrimination lawsuit. I think it's more likely that an administrator who forbids people to show a flag would risk a First Amendment violation. This certainly adds a new dimension to the phrase "Only in America." Only in America would showing a flag be considered "hate mongering." The fact that some hate mongers hide behind the flag is no reason to prevent those who are NOT hate mongers from exercising their right to express themselves. BTW, I'm sure "Ass and assistant" was just a typo, but an oddly Freudian one. End of rant. David Haberstich ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).