Summary
The Winooski School District in Vermont received many racist and violent messages after raising the Somali flag. These messages started after right-wing social media accounts shared videos of the flag-raising event. The school district paused its website and disconnected some phones due to the high number of messages.
Key Facts
- The Winooski School District raised a Somali flag to support Somali students and families.
- The school district received over 200 racist and violent messages following the flag-raising.
- Right-wing social media accounts shared videos of the event, leading to the flood of messages.
- The Vermont State Police reported the messages as part of a coordinated national campaign but found no credible threats.
- President Trump recently made negative comments about Somali immigrants in the U.S.
- About 9% of students in the district are of Somali descent.
- The district clarified that the U.S. flag still flies at the highest point, following the U.S. Flag Code.
- The school superintendent described the messages as "pretty scary" but stated they are motivated to continue supporting diversity.
