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Update (4:50): The executive council of ASUCI has vetoed the resolution, according to ABC 7 .
UC Irvine's student government voted to ban the American flag, as well as every other nation's flag, from their lobby in a resolution that will likely be short-lived.
Passed Thursday by a vote of 6-4 in the Associated Students of UC Irvine's legislative council, the resolution written by Matthew Guevara states that the removal of the flag would serve to create a space that is "culturally inclusive." The text reads that "a common ideological understanding of the United [S]tates includes American exceptionalism and superiority," and that symbols such as the American flag have "negative and positive aspects that are interpreted differently by individuals." In order to be all-encompassing, flags of other nations would also be banned, and any "decorative item" would be removed "if there is considerable request to do so."
However, the passing of the resolution is not yet an official ban on flags in the lobby space of the ASUCI or anywhere on campus. In a statement on Thursday night, ASUCI President Reza Zomorrodian said he was "firmly against" the resolution, although he added, "I understand the authors intent and supporters intent, I disagree with the solution the council has come to." The statement said that the Executive Cabinet would be meeting on Saturday to consider vetoing or seconding the ban. "The very vocal opinion is people saying the flag should stay," Zomorrodian told O.C. Weekly . "The big item here is that our student government can exist because of what that flag represents, and it's the kind of thing we should keep around."
Unsurprisingly the resolution has been met with very vocal opposition. "As a UCI Alumna and a military veteran I am embarrassed and disappointed in this council's actions. I hope you understand the implications your actions have on the campus and in the community," read one of the over 1,200 comments on the ASUCI's Facebook page.
"This legislation is not endorsed or supported in any way by the campus leadership" the statement from Zomorrodian read, and on Friday afternoon the university tweeted the following message:
Have a wonderful weekend!
— UC Irvine (@UCIrvine) March 6, 2015
And contrary to what you might be hearing, flags are still flying at UC Irvine. pic.twitter.com/iloF5lVzsK
