Kutztown University, a campus of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, announced a policy that banned Confederate flags and swastikas in students’ dormitory rooms. The policy stated that “all decorations in common areas in the residence hall and apartments must take into consideration that obscene, distasteful displays which are demeaning to an individual’s or group’s race, ethnic, religious background and/or gender or ability will not be permitted and will be removed immediately. The Confederate flag and swastika are NOT permitted in any residence hall, suite, and apartment or student room.”
Days later the university backtracked on the ban, on the advice of legal counsel. In a statement the university said “the university will educate our students and other members of our community, so they will understand the historical and modern context for these symbols, and we will continue to advocate for an environment wherein all those associated with our university can feel valued and safe.”
