Mexican flag flap rumors spin out of control

HOUSTON The initial story being passed around Houston, fueled by a radio show report, says that a student at Klein Collins High School removed a Mexican flag from a flagpole because it was being flown higher than a US flag. The student was allegedly then suspended for three days. But that's not what school officials say happened.

The Klein Independent School District issued a reponse on their website to what they call 'inaccurate allegations.' It reads as follows:

• Neither the Klein Independent School District nor any of its campuses has flown another country or state's flag on a pole outside of its facilities.
• Neither the Klein Independent School District nor any of its campuses has flown the American flag upside down.
• Neither the Klein Independent School District nor any of its campuses has displayed another country or state's flag in a manner that would dishonor or disrespect the American flag or the Texas state flag.
• As part of a student activity, permission was granted for students to display some decorations for Cinco de Mayo which included the Mexican flag that was placed on a railing in the school. This activity was never meant to dishonor or show disrespect to our country or our state or our flags.

According to Klein ISD Communications Director Trazanna Moreno, a Mexican flag was displayed inside the building, with permission, by a member of the school's Spanish club as part of a Cinco de Mayo observance. Moreno says another student upset by the display removed the flag and stuffed it in a trash can. She adds that the school cannot comment on any discipline the student may have received.

A letter was sent home with students explaining the situation.

The reports may have gotten initially confused with a protest from Montebello High School in California in March 2006, in which a Mexican flag was flown above an upside down US flag.