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Michigan School Asks Students Not To Display, Wear Confederate Flag

HASTINGS (WWJ/AP) - A school district in western Michigan has asked students not to display the Confederate flag on their vehicles or wear clothes with it during school hours.

Hastings Area School System Superintendent Carrie Duits says she made the request to students last week. She said the district is using it as a "teachable moment" about how the flag is perceived.

"We know there is a balance between First Amendment rights and equal protection rights," Duits told the Grand Rapids Press. "We are seeing it as an opportunity to help our students understand how that symbol is perceived by others."

Consequences for displaying the flag haven't been determined. Duits said students have been complying.

Hastings is about 40 miles southeast of Grand Rapids.

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