|
H.C.R. No. 258 CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The display of the flag of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam on the central campus of the University of Houston, as well as on other campuses of higher learning, has caused great distress to many members of the Vietnamese American community; and
WHEREAS, This flag, which features a yellow star on a red background, was first adopted by the Indochinese Communist Party in the mid-20th century; it represents a source of anguish to countless people who fled to the United States as a welcoming haven of liberty and tolerance; to these esteemed citizens, the display of this flag is interpreted as a lack of respect for their historic struggles; and
WHEREAS, In contrast, the Freedom and Heritage Flag symbolizes both the Vietnamese cultural heritage and a deeply rooted resilience and yearning for democracy; this flag, which bears three red stripes on a background of golden yellow, was flown for the first time at a ceremony marking the official recognition by France of Vietnamese unity and independence; and
WHEREAS, The University of Houston and other institutions of higher learning can express their respect for Vietnamese American culture and their support for the ideals of liberty and democracy by replacing the flag of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam with the Freedom and Heritage Flag; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 81st Legislature of the State of Texas hereby urge the University of Houston and other institutions of higher education to cease displaying the red flag of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and to instead fly the golden yellow Freedom and Heritage Flag that has been embraced by the Vietnamese American community; and, be it further RESOLVED, That the secretary of state forward an official copy of this resolution to the commissioner of higher education as an expression of the sentiment of the house of representatives and senate. |
