Flags get classroom green light

But Jeffco teacher says he's not sure he wants to return

Berny Morson, Rocky Mountain News

Published August 25, 2006 at midnight

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Geography teacher Eric Hamlin and his flags are welcome to return to Carmody Middle School in Lakewood today.

But Hamlin, who was suspended with pay Wednesday in a dispute over the display of three foreign flags in his classroom, is not sure he wants to go back.

Hamlin said he's worried his presence will be viewed as divisive by other workers, some of whom resent the media coverage he brought on Carmody.

Jefferson County school officials Thursday resolved the flag issue in Hamlin's favor.

"Now it's become more of a personal issue," he said. "What am I going to do? How am I feeling now? What are my options here? Do I think for the school and myself it's better if we part ways?"

He'll stay out today while deciding whether to return.

Principal John Schalk escorted Hamlin from the building Wednesday for allegedly violating a state law against displaying foreign flags on public property.

School district officials acknowledged Thursday that the three foreign flags in Hamlin's class fall under an exception for educational displays.

"I think everybody agreed this morning that the main thing is to get a highly qualified teacher back in the classroom for the good of the kids," Jefferson County school spokeswoman Lynn Setzer said.

Hamlin had hung the flags of Mexico, China and the United Nations in his room as part of a six-week introduction to geography. The foreign flags are in addition to the U.S. flag found in all Colorado schools.

Hamlin has more than 50 flags, purchased at his own expense, that he uses during the course of the school year.

Hamlin said the flags of other nations promote one of the themes of his course - tolerance.

"The flags should be able to fly to celebrate diversity," Hamlin said.

morsonb@RockyMountainNews.com or 303 954-5209

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