A screenshot taken by an Edmond North High School student has sparked outrage on social media after the student shared that he was asked to remove an American flag from the back of his pickup truck.

Edmond community members say the situation violates constitutional rights, but the school has responded that banning all types of flags on vehicles is a long-standing practice.

According to Jeff Bardach, public information officer for Edmond Public Schools, the school district does not allow flags on campus due to potential disruption.

“You can’t allow one (flag) and restrict another,” Bardach said. “It’s been our longstanding practice not to allow students to bring flags.”

This policy is explained to students at the beginning of each school year through a slide show explaining the district’s rules, Bardach said.

The district shared a screenshot of the slide with specific rules and expectations:

Bardach said the policy is also intended to create a safe school environment, as flags on vehicles create parking lot safety issues and can cause damage to other vehicles.

“To be clear, this is not about the American flag or patriotism. Edmond Public Schools proudly and properly displays the American flag in a respectful manner outside each of our buildings and in our classrooms,” Bardach said. “Not only do we recite the Pledge of Allegiance every morning as we begin our school day, but we also display the colors and play the national anthem at most of our sporting events. All of these things are done in the proper manner according to flag etiquette.”

The student’s family had not responded to The Oklahoman’s request for comment at the time of publication.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma student told to remove flag from truck sparks community outrage