Flag Controversy
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Updated: 8:33 AM Jan 8, 2004
Flag Controversy
Many Wichitans wonder if local government is being too politically correct after the city removes an American flag from City Hall.
Posted: 9:33 PM Jan 7, 2004
Reporter: KAKE News
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KAKE News anonymously received a copy of an interoffice e-mail from the Equal Employment Opportunity Officer of the City of Wichita. The e-mail was sent nine months ago after an American flag was removed from a city break room. The e-mail was sent to city personnel department to explain why the flag was taken down.

The e-mail reads, "Let's refrain from placing things in common areas that might appear to show a preference of one group over another… Shortly after 9/11, we had flags all over the place up front. In retrospect, that was probably not appropriate either."

The e-mail does not mention a March 26 war protest outside City Hall. During the protests, someone put an American flag in a window facing the protestors. The city says after the flag went up, three employees questioned their safety in the break room. The city says that is why the e-mail was sent out.

Wichita attorney and Regional ACLU Chairman Jim Lawing says the city did not do anything wrong. Lawing says the American flag was taken down because the city wanted to stay neutral on the issue.

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