Tribal flags now allowed during anthem at Montana tourneys

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — The Montana High School Association’s executive board has voted to allow tribal flags at midcourt during the national anthem at district, divisional and state basketball games.

The Billings Gazette reports that the decision, which came Monday, means that starting next year, any Montana tribal flag can be presented alongside the American and Montana state flags during the playing of the national anthem at postseason basketball tournaments.

The vote followed a grievance filed with the association by the Fort Peck Tribes after a Poplar High School flag-bearer was told last month to stand on the baseline during the opening night of the Class B state boys’ tournament in Belgrade.