An exhibit on display during September at Nassau Community College's (NCC) Firehouse Gallery has gotten not so rave reviews. Even NCC President Sean Fanelli thinks it's "objectionable and distasteful."

"What is the Proper Way to Display the US Flag?" by an artist who goes by the name of Dread Scott outraged local veterans as well as Town of Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray. They protested the exhibit Monday, Sept. 15, carrying signs that read, "Don't Tread On Me" and "It May Be Legal, But It's Not Right."

Pat Cassetta, past president of Nassau County's United Veterans Organization and a member of its flag etiquette program was among those who recently protested. "As someone who fought for freedom in World War II, I can assure Mr. Scott that his display does not constitute the proper way to display the US flag," Cassetta said.

Supervisor Murray added, "While it may be legal to exhibit a display that includes a flag which is used as a floor mat, it's just not right." She acknowledged that the Constitution defended freedom of expression and speech, including Scott's work. However, she indicated that the community college was not under any obligation to display such items.

NCC President Fanelli, responding to County Executive Tom Suozzi's request to immediately remove the display, said, "The flag is the most cherished symbol of our nation. It is a symbol that men and women have carried into battle. It is a symbol that they have died for ... and died under," he said. "Indeed, it is because the flag is not only the most cherished symbol of our nation, but also a symbol of what our nation cherishes most that I cannot accede to your request that this particular exhibit be removed from the gallery."

Supervisor Murray and Cassetta called the timing of the exhibit particularly offensive. "Men and women are currently defending our flag and our nation against terrorist forces in Iraq and Afghanistan," Supervisor Murray said. "Families are mourning the loss of September 11, 2001 victims who were killed by people who want to destroy our flag and everything for which it stands. The timing of the college's decision to display this piece shows enormous insensitivity to our veterans, 9/11 victims, soldiers fighting abroad and all proud Americans."

Fanelli said Suozzi's letter acknowledged that the constitutional right of expression should be protected, but that there are responsibilities to do otherwise. Fanelli believes that these rights and responsibilities should be mutually enforcing. "It is in the upholding of one that we achieve the fulfillment of the other. But governmental responsibilities do not permit us to trample on the constitutional rights of others," he said.

Fanelli added that the Firehouse Gallery's curator established a policy for the exhibit that Fanelli believed respected the constitutional rights of Scott and at the same time, met the gallery's responsibilities owed to the college, its students and all who view the exhibit.

Alicia Steger, assistant director of NCC's Community Relations, noted that the exhibit was on loan and nothing came out of the school's budget to pay for it. Further, she mentioned that Scott lectured at the college through NCC's Cultural Arts Program, which is funded by the Faculty Student Association, which receives student dues. The exhibit was on display at the Firehouse Gallery until Oct. 1.