Pride flags removed from Lehi, Utah, school

Rainbow pride flags were taken down at Skyridge High School in Utah after the district administration ordered their removal to avoid controversy amid recent conservative outcry regarding teachers supporting the LGBTQ+ community. The Alpine School District, the largest in Utah, stated that it was following policy prohibiting any “political, religious or personal” displays in the classroom.

The move has angered LGBTQ+ students and allies, with 16-year-old bisexual student Olivia Brown stating that she feels “hurt and upset” and believes the district has “abandoned” its students. The flags had been considered a symbol of safety and belonging by students who identified as part of the LGBTQ+ community. The removal of the flags has also resulted in increased vocal opposition to the students’ identities, with instances of name-calling and taunts.

In response, students held a silent protest where they wore rainbow clothes and pins to show their solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community. Another group of students also protested by waving a massive American flag and taunting students wearing rainbow colors. Some targeted students also reported being threatened with knives.

Brown started an on- line petition to have the flags reinstated in the school classrooms.

“Not only were these pride flags something that was not harming anyone, it represents inclusion and love of everyone. As a student of this teacher, walking into her classroom for the first time and seeing that pride flag made me feel safe,” Brown wrote in the petition. “Signing this petition will hopefully get the attention of Skyridge High school and get the pride flags back up in the teachers classroom. It will hopefully provide proof that the pride flags are something that mean a lot to both lgbtq+ students and all students in general.”

At press time, 3,000 people signed the petition.

The school put a message on the front entrance of Skyridge High, written in block letters, stating, “You belong here.” About 2,500 students who attend the Lehi school walk under the sign every day as they head to classes. However, according to Brown and other LGBTQ+ students, these words are meaningless without concrete actions from the school and district to ensure the protection of marginalized individuals. They say they will continue to fight and attend school board meetings to demand that the pride flags be returned to the empty spaces where they were removed. Q

One day each summer, Utah’s queer community floods Lagoon theme park with red. Members of the LGBTQ+ community and their supporters will take over the park for the QSaltLake Day at Lagoon this year on Sunday, Aug. 13.

The event attracts hundreds of people each year, possibly as many as 2,000. Supporters are encouraged to wear red shirts and stop by the QSaltLake pavilion — the Honey Locust Pavilion— for a group photo at 4 p.m. and to mingle with other queers and allies. The pavilion is open the entire day and is a popular place to have lunch, take a break, and mingle with the Matrons of Mayhem. The event is also sponsored by Club Try-Angles, which will open at 6 p.m. that day so employees can join in the festivities.

QSaltLake Lagoon Day is open to all participants, and there will also be many people who are not aware of the day, but the overall atmosphere is very open and accepting.

This year, Lagoon is scheduled to open its next in-house coaster creation after seven years of construction. It has already been named one of the 10 most anticipated new theme park rides for 2023 by coaster enthusiasts. Q A discount code for online tickets will be available at the end of July