81R36084 CBE-D
 
  By: Vo H.C.R. No. 258
 
 
 
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
         WHEREAS, The display of the flag of the Socialist Republic of
  Vietnam on the central campus of the University of Houston, as well
  as on other campuses of higher learning, has caused great distress
  to many members of the Vietnamese American community; and
         WHEREAS, This flag, which features a yellow star on a red
  background, was first adopted by the Indochinese Communist Party in
  the mid-20th century; it represents a source of anguish to
  countless people who fled to the United States as a welcoming haven
  of liberty and tolerance; to these esteemed citizens, the display
  of this flag is interpreted as a lack of respect for their historic
  struggles; and
         WHEREAS, In contrast, the Freedom and Heritage Flag
  symbolizes both the Vietnamese cultural heritage and a deeply
  rooted resilience and yearning for democracy; this flag, which
  bears three red stripes on a background of golden yellow, was flown
  for the first time at a ceremony marking the official recognition by
  France of Vietnamese unity and independence; and
         WHEREAS, The University of Houston and other institutions of
  higher learning can express their respect for Vietnamese American
  culture and their support for the ideals of liberty and democracy by
  replacing the flag of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam with the
  Freedom and Heritage Flag; now, therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the 81st Legislature of the State of Texas
  hereby urge the University of Houston and other institutions of
  higher education to cease displaying the red flag of the Socialist
  Republic of Vietnam and to instead fly the golden yellow Freedom and
  Heritage Flag that has been embraced by the Vietnamese American
  community; and, be it further
         RESOLVED, That the secretary of state forward an official
  copy of this resolution to the commissioner of higher education as
  an expression of the sentiment of the house of representatives and
  senate.