Story perspectives

Winooski Schools Face Backlash Over Somali Flag Display

12/9/2025

Summary

Story summary

The Winooski School District in Vermont faced national backlash after raising the Somali flag.
The district announced the decision on social media, while threats and racist messages followed.
Superintendent Wilmer Chavarria called it the most intense backlash of his tenure, with over 200 hostile messages.
The flag will fly for one week, with the U.S. flag remaining in place and the action following President Donald Trump’s remarks about Somali immigrants.

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Story summary

The Winooski School District in Vermont faced national backlash after raising the Somali flag.
The district announced the decision on social media, while threats and racist messages followed.
Superintendent Wilmer Chavarria called it the most intense backlash of his tenure, with over 200 hostile messages.
The flag will fly for one week, with the U.S. flag remaining in place and the action following President Donald Trump’s remarks about Somali immigrants.