Confederacy raises red flags at Hollywood Hills High

A petition drive to get Confederate-themed clothing banned from school grounds has exposed a rift at Hollywood Hills High. The episode may lead the Broward School Board to examine whether its student conduct code should address the Confederate flag.

Sophomore Ilana Hostyk started a petition this week at Hollywood Hills in hopes of pressing officials to ban the symbol, considered a show of Rebel pride by some and a reminder of Southern race-based prejudice by others.

The petition garnered as many as 300 signatures but added to tension at Hollywood Hills after students who support wearing the flag on shirts, belt-buckles or other garments started a counter petition.