Flag Ban Lifted at Sampson County School

Last year, Hobbton High School in Newton Grove banned students from wearing clothing bearing flags after some teens wore foreign flags as gang symbols. The ban outraged a lot of parents and students.

"I think it's wrong," said Jessica Langston.

Langston, a senior at the school, said she was disappointed when she couldn't wear a "Remember September 11" T-shirt because it had an American flag depicted on it.

"We have people fighting for us, and we can't wear T-shirts to support them," said Langston.

Gayle Langston turned her anger into action, sending e-mails and making phone calls to anyone who would listen. E-mails protesting the flag ban came from as far away as China and Hawaii. She got Steve Edwards' attention.

The Langston family said they will continue to monitor the flag policy.

Hobbs said the school board plans to meet with its lawyer next week to determine if any changes should be made to the dress code. He maintains the school district is patriotic, and he said he wished this situation had been handled differently.