[REPOST] UE expels ‘flag mop’ students

UE expels ‘flag mop’ students

The University of the East (UE) has dismissed the students involved in a video that went viral on social media showing one of them using a Philippine flag to mop the floor.

In a statement, UE president and chief academic officer Ester Albano-Garcia said the university’s Board of Trustees unanimously approved the dismissal of the students involved in the video.

School officials did not disclose how many students were actually expelled in connection with the incident.

One student was seen in the video using the flag as a mop, while another – who was taking the footage – was heard laughing in the background.

“The students involved were meted the sanction of dismissal in view of the gravity of their infraction, which was not only a direct affront to the University of the East community but to the entire country’s ideals and traditions as well,” said Garcia.

Garcia said the university would strengthen its activities to inculcate respect for the Philippine flag, anthem and other national symbols.

She added that they would implement measures to monitor the strict compliance with and observance of the Flag and Heraldic Code by their students and members of academic and non-academic community.

“While this episode has been a regrettable one in the long and storied history of the university, we in UE appreciate the opportunity to be heard provided by various outlets, appreciate the feedback that all this has incurred from Filipinos not just outside the university but also outside of our country, and appreciate the chance to reaffirm our commitment to molding the youth,” she added.

The Department of Education earlier asked the university to submit an incident report containing its actions to address the matter.

Article of Philippine Star

[WATCH] Student Wiping the Floor with Philippine Flag Goes Viral