UPDATE 8:18 pm PST 03/07/2015: Despite the decision of the Executive Cabinet of ASUCI to veto this disgraceful bill, we will not stop this campaign until they step down and resign, and stop representing the students at UC Irvine. We all want to see student leaders that will not disgrace the flag that so many have sacrificed for. Damage is done, actions have consequences. 

On March 5, 2015, six members of the Associated Students - University of California, Irvine's Legislative Council - Matthew Guevara (author), Khaalidah Sidney (second), Naty Rico, John Salazar, Matthew Tsai, and Negar Fatahi - voted yes on a resolution to remove the American flag from ASUCI's common space area.

The author of Resolution R50-70 ("Flags and decoration adjustment for inclusivity"), Matthew Guevera, stated that the"American flag has been flown in instances of colonialism and imperialism" and "flags not only serve as symbols of patriotism or weapons for nationalism, but also construct cultural mythologies and narratives that in turn charge nationalistic sentiments." The resolution ended with statements about making the common area more "inclusive" and that removing the American flag (in addition to others) would serve that purpose.

Hundreds of thousands of American servicemen and women have unselfishly sacrificed their lives for this country and the flag that universally symbolizes the United States and the values we hold dear. While this resolution represents only the actions of a few, the fact that these students would even consider a resolution removing the American flag is insulting to veterans, unpatriotic, and deeply disturbing to the vast majority of Americans. Moreover, the fact it passed is even more troubling.

ASUCI's actions are symptomatic of a wider problem facing American universities, namely, the indoctrination of our youth with ideals that run counter to traditional and firmly-held American values, which are eroding at a faster pace than ever before.

The time is now to hold people and institutions accountable for these types of provocative actions and send a message. Americans should not feel afraid to fly the Red, White, and Blue and show their patriotism. Further, taxpayer-funded American universities or the legislatures governing them, must adopt rules and regulations that prohibit anyone from adopting measures that ban the display of the US flag anywhere on campus.

We, the undersigned, demand that the President of the University of California, Janet Napolitano, Regents of the University of California, Dr. Howard Gillman - Chancellor of the University of California, Irvine, and the Associated Students - University of California, Irvine, urge the six members of the ASUCI Legislative Council who voted yes on the resolution, to resign immediately and without further delay, and help prevent further embarrassment to the University of California, Irvine.