81R36084 CBE-D
By: Vo 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.