Nishith Patel, president of the township council in Edison, New Jersey, issued an apology Tuesday following backlash over an ordinance that prohibited the use of “props” during council meetings, which led to the American flag being classified as a prop during a recent meeting.
“Let me be very clear, the Edison Council has never, nor will we ever, ban the American flag from our public meetings,” Patel said, addressing public outrage a week after the ordinance was approved.
According to My Central Jersey, the township council passed two ordinances on November 25 concerning council meeting procedures. One ordinance banned disruptive activities, such as loud or vulgar language and the use of “props” during public comments.
Last week, during a meeting, residents addressed the council holding an American flag and were told that the flag was being used as a prop. When another resident held a copy of the Consitution and an American Flag, Patel said his actions violated the rules as well. The resident was then escorted out of the meeting by police for refusing to comply with the ordinance.
The classification of the American flag as a prop sparked significant criticism from attendees and community members. In response, Patel apologized and clarified the council’s position.
“Our nation’s flag as well as our state’s flag are both prominently and honorably displayed in our council chamber,” Patel said. “We proudly and humbly begin each council meeting with the pledge of allegiance to our flag, reaffirming our commitment and loyalty to our country and the history and values upon which it stands.” Patel added that it was never the council’s intent to ban the American flag.
Edison Mayor Sam Joshi also addressed the issue, expressing his support for the flag and reiterating its symbolic importance.
“Our nation’s flag has never, ever, been banned, nor will it ever be banned in our municipal complex, or any government building that we solely operate. We are all proud Americans who believe in the principles, morals, and values the American flag represents,” he commented.
