There is much discussion in town about this petition. I spoke with a very nice member of the School Committee, who felt that this should be a "town" decision...(put before the people....most likely as a issue for Town Meeting). That may very well be. However, the basis for the petition stays the same. Unfortunately I believe that teachers at Walpole High are being pressured to go along with the status quo...which has happened for nearly 50 years. Back in the 1980s, the School Committee made an effort to "ban the flag".....yet within 20 years, kids had begun promoting the confederate flag again at sporting events, and adult football boosters had supported it. The current weak attempts at a "rebrand" (Keep the name, ban the flag) are exactly what was done in the 1980s. Knowing my town as I do, I predict that the "Rebel Flag" will return to Walpole High, especially considering the current level of hatred being expressed all over the country. I believe the "Rebel" in Walpole is being promoted because of a political agenda...Sadly, Walpole has not enjoyed the non-controversies of towns like Norwood (Go Mustangs). The school committee member I spoke with the other night told me that she still sees Confederate flags being promoted around Walpole. Its time to make a change. I hope you will help me promote this petition by sharing it through Facebook, Instagram, private messenger or e-mail. Even sharing with one person you know, with a personal note, can make a difference. Please take a look at the film "PRIDE" made by Walpole High students for the 2016 Walpole High School film festival. (link below) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YlufaAtjGyM&t=1301s The film was done very professionally, however they did avoid making the connection about John Lee, Overton High School in Tennessee, and the fact that John Lee coached the "Overton Rebels" in the South during the Civil Rights Era. Thank You for participating...especially those of you who are current and former Walpole Town Government volunteers. Mike Amaral Walpole Historical Commission chairman 2011-2015 Walpole High 1971