SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. -- Part of a controversial art exhibit was banned at Lake Brantley High School in Altamonte Springs.

The student who created it, Josh Hemingway, placed shredded pieces of the American flag between his photographs. He says combined with the pictures, it was supposed to show a message of hope even in a fragmented society.

But according to the school district, the principal was concerned the shredded flag could cause outrage, so the school took it down.

"I thought that's what this country was founded on, freedom of speech and expression. That's guaranteed in our first amendment," Hemingway said.

Hemingway says he meant no disrespect and claims the flag was already in bad shape when he found it.