CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — A veil of silence has descended over Bishop Flaget Catholic School in Chillicothe, amid allegations that its principal engaged in a symbolic protest following the recent presidential election. Rumors have been swirling that the principal turned the U.S. flag upside down in the wake of Donald Trump’s election, though these claims cannot be independently verified by the Guardian.
In response to inquiries from the Guardian, the Diocese of Columbus issued a statement saying, “The Diocese of Columbus will not comment on any human resources details out of respect for our employees.” This stance has left parents, staff, and the broader community in the dark, with no official clarification on the matter.
The situation has also raised questions about transparency within Catholic institutions, especially in light of previous teachings from church leaders. Pope Francis has warned against the dangers of insularity with his statement, “That expression – ‘We have always done it that way’ – is poison for the life of the Church.” This encourages a shift towards openness and transparency, a principle seemingly at odds with the diocese’s current policy of silence.
The Gospel of Matthew (10:26-33) further emphasizes this, stating, “Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known,” which aligns with Catholic teachings on the inevitability of truth coming to light. Similarly, Pope St. Gregory the Great once remarked, “It is better that scandals arise than the truth be suppressed,” highlighting the priority of truth over potential embarrassment or controversy.
The issue of transparency becomes even more complex given the legal context. The school has denied a request for public records, citing state law. According to Ohio Revised Code, “public record” pertains to records kept by public offices or certain educational services, definitions under which Catholic schools like Bishop Flaget do not fall. Therefore, the diocese’s refusal to release records leaves many in the community feeling uninformed and frustrated.
As the controversy simmers, Bishop Flaget and the Diocese of Columbus remain tight-lipped, with no further statements or actions announced to address the public’s growing concerns. This situation shows the tension between church practices and the modern expectation for institutional transparency, especially in educational settings where trust between the community and the leadership is paramount.