Federal officials and local leaders in Vermont are confronting public backlash after the Winooski School District raised a Somali flag on school property, drawing national attention and debate following President Donald Trump’s remarks on refugee programs.
The action has ignited criticism online, particularly on social media platforms, where users questioned the use of public resources for a foreign flag.
The Somali flag was hoisted Friday as a gesture of support for students and families in the Winooski community.
The school district’s Facebook account originally stated, “We are raising the Somali flag this week in honor of our Somali youth and families in Winooski and Vermont. On Monday, we will be gathering to celebrate together and to learn more about our civil rights.”
The post has since been removed, though Resist the Mainstream was able to confirm and document the announcement before deletion.
Responses online were immediate and strong.
On X, critics called the display “shameful” and “un-American,” with one user urging, “Cut 100% of any funding. And prosecute the enemy for raising a foreign flag with our tax dollars.”
Social media activity highlighted how quickly a local symbolic action can trigger national debate.
City and school officials defended the decision as a demonstration of inclusion.
Interim Winooski Mayor Thomas Renner said the negative attention could harm the community, particularly residents who have long felt at risk of marginalization.
“When people who are integral to the community begin to feel unwelcome or hesitant to participate publicly, it harms everyone,” he said, according to Trending Politics.
Somali refugees began settling in Vermont in the late 1990s after fleeing the Somali Civil War. Approximately 600 individuals and families now live in Chittenden County, contributing to the workforce and local schools, WCAX reports.
Advocates argue that symbolic actions like the flag-raising help integrate residents and affirm their value in the community.
Nathan Virag of the Association of Africans Living in Vermont said the combination of Trump’s remarks and criticism of the flag could push Somali families to withdraw from civic life.
“If people feel targeted or unwelcome, they may withdraw, which undermines community cohesion and integration efforts,” Virag said.
The school district clarified that no existing flags were removed.
Winooski has three flagpoles on its grounds: the American flag occupies the tallest mast, the Vermont flag the second and the Somali flag was raised on the third, reserved for “affinity-group” flags.
Officials did not confirm which flag usually occupies this position, OutKick noted.
Winooski has a history of flying symbolic flags for community recognition.
In 2021, the city raised the Progress Pride Flag for Pride Month.
Earlier this year, the district implemented protocols to protect students from immigration enforcement following the detention of a second-grade student and their mother, according to VTDigger.
As debate over refugee resettlement continues, and images of the Somali flag circulate online, Winooski remains at the center of a national discussion over public symbolism, community representation and inclusion in schools.
Officials claim that the flag-raising is intended as a one-week gesture of support, reinforcing the district’s efforts to recognize cultural diversity while balancing public concerns.
