Pride Flags removed from Lehu, 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.