The internet erupted in debate over the meaning of the Gadsden flag this week after a 12-year-old Colorado boy was reportedly kicked out of class for displaying the symbol as a patch on his backpack.

The Gadsden flag has been "grabbed as a potent symbol by the far right and small government activists" according to one historian.

Polis posted, "Obviously the Gadsden flag is a proud symbol of the American revolution and [an] iconic warning to Britain or any government not to violate the liberties of Americans.

The Gadsden flag depicts a yellow rattle snake with the phrase 'Don't Tread On Me' - originally designed to represent the American Revolution.

Just that the Gadsden flag was a symbol of the Tea Party and that the aggrieved mechanic associated the Tea Party with “white resentment.” ...

The Gadsden flag has been co-opted by a wide variety of Americans over its long history. The “Don’t Tread on Me” flag is such a potent symbol of independence that it has been co-opted by a ...

Colorado governor defends 'Don't Tread on Me' flag after student told to remove patch Democratic Gov. Jared Polis called the Gadsden flag 'a proud symbol of the American revolution' after a a ...

First Amendment 12-Year-Old Boy Removed From School Over 'Don't Tread on Me' Patch "The Gadsden flag is a proud symbol of the American revolution," says Colorado Gov. Jared Polis. Robby Soave | 8. ...

The Gadsden flag has reemerged as a provocative antigovernmental symbol, including at the Capitol riot and on license plates. Confederates once loved it, too.

The Continental Congress chose the Gadsden flag as the first symbol of its naval ships.