"A Nation building colleges building people to contribute to the Nation"

The title was one of our themes to one of our classes this week. The idea behind it or rather the exercise was about a pretend university student affairs member needing to decide whether his school atheletic team should wear the US flag ensigna on their jerseys, post 9/11. He was confused in wanting to know if he should make the choice, leave it to the coaches who might in turn leave it to the students, or what.

My view in this scenario/question is that the student athletes should wear it. There were several disagreements that sprang from our conversation. Some students did not believe in encroaching some one else's values as far as their own country and ideals. Other students believe that the flag might not symbolize the same thing to another student as it does to another. Despite realistic disagreements, my view still stands with me. We have international and domestic students being recruited for sports worldwide to play for let's say, Texas A&M. Their academics are being paid for through an academic scholarship. They're visa is created because they have been recruited by a US school. They have agreed to come and not only represent the University but receive a US education. The least one can do is pay respect and wear a simple flag on their jersey. The same goes for US students who wish to play abroad during college. If their nation wants their athletes to sport the national flag, then why not, your paying your respects just like they have respected you by inviting/recruiting you for their team. Along with a US education comes the knowledge of the US itself. We are an entire nation accepting of any culture. Although the US has had it's trials and tribulations an American value is pride. Pride in its culture, just like A&M pride.

Another idea generated by one of our cohort members, was to have athletes wear the US flag along with their national flag. That was probably the most single poignant idea I heard through our entire conversation. The simple fact that US is a nation of nations, and by having these athletes display their own national flag demonstrates US' committment to diversity, and shows respect to our nation and their nation.

Now, I understand there might be individuals who do not agree wholeheartedly with the statements above, and you're more than welcomed to express your opinions. I am a student affairs/higher education professional in training and understanding students and opinions is a skill I plan on mastering.

Such questions regarding this issue are:

What is the institution prioritizing? The students? the University mission? How is this an international issue? Are we encroaching on our students' values/goals?