‘Cowardice.’ District investigates after Confederate flag raised over Lexington middle school

Fayette Superintendent Manny Caulk denounced as a “cowardice act” the discovery Wednesday that someone had raised a Confederate flag with extremist symbols on the flagpole at Bryan Station Middle School.

District spokeswoman Lisa Deffendall said after a report was received about 8 a.m Wednesday morning, “school staff checked immediately, and removed the flag from the pole.”

“The flag had been written on and contained symbols associated with far-right anti-government extremist movements as well as slogans disparaging police officers,” she said.

Deffendall said Fayette County Public Schools Police Department is investigating and she encouraged anyone with information that could help identify those responsible to call the district police department at (859) 381-4200.

“We will pursue this matter to the furthest possible extent,” she said.

“This is a cowardice act and we denounce this abhorrent behavior in the strongest of terms,” Caulk said. “Hate has no home here in the Fayette County Public Schools and we will take swift action to address this despicable act. “

“This should be a teachable moment for our entire community to recognize that our battle against racism and intolerance is far from over,” Caulk said.

He said the district stands firmly on the values of equity and inclusion and there is no tolerance in Fayette public schools for those who seek to marginalize or intimidate others.

Robin Kirby, Bryan Station Middle School Principal, said the diversity of that school community is one of things that makes Bryan Station Middle School such a special place to learn and work.

“In our current climate, we need to practice more love to overcome hate,” Kirby said.