Don’t Tread on Don’t Tread on Me

A recent article in the Washington Post highlights an issue that the iconic Gadsden flag is currently facing. In brief, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is looking to make it a punishable offense for employees to wear attire with the Gadsden flag or similar insignia on it. The reasoning behind the decision is that the flag can be interpreted as racially insensitive. 

Emblazoned on the flag are the words “Don’t Tread on Me.” We here at SFL have tweaked that message a little bit. Anyone who has a certain amount of familiarity with SFL will remember our 2014 campaign “Don’t Tread on Anyone.” You probably still have the shirt!

The fact is, the Gadsden flag and similar symbols, have long had a place in the liberty movement. Rather than a symbol of racial animus, for us it’s a reminder that every human life is valuable and worthy of self-direction without excessive interference from the government or anyone else.

After the tragic shooting in Orlando, for instance, libertarians offered a large outpouring of support for those who suffered, and the Gadsden flag was not a strange sight to see at these events. There was even a story about West Hollywood being littered with rainbow Gadsden flags. In the SFL network and the libertarian community worldwide, these versions of the Gadsden — and others that highlight the inclusive nature of classical liberalism — are a common sight.

Banning the Gadsden flag would be a step backwards for free speech. Let’s hope that “Don’t Tread on Anyone” will be politically correct enough for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

We’re looking to save the Gadsden flag. To help, share the following along with #SaveTheGadsden:

Change your Facebook profile picture to one of these:

Or, share a photo with your “Don’t Tread on Anyone” t-shirt, sticker, or banner! Tag @sfliberty on Twitter and we’ll be sure to retweet!