Families in the Irvington School District are divided over a gesture by the high school football team to wave the “blue lives matter” flag.

Players on the Irvington football team waved the flag as they came out for their game against Haldane on Sept. 10.

This shocked some parents who believe the flag does not promote kindness and racial harmony. Other parents say the use of the flag was just part of a tribute to 9/11 responders.

Families brought their concerns to a school board meeting Tuesday evening.

Some say the flag is a political statement and that political statements should be banned from school functions.

"I don't feel comfortable with that flag being waved at a school that my children go to. I think that if we want to be role models for children and to eradicate hate, we can't have anything that's associated with things that have hurt other people,” said parent Yvonne Brock.

The superintendent said in a note that the school community must reflect and build awareness.

There is no word yet on what impact there may be on school functions moving forward.