Davis County School District bans Pride, BLM flags

In a move that has ignited a fierce debate over classroom culture, a school district in Utah has explicitly prohibited the display of LGBTQ+ pride flags and Black Lives Matter flags in its buildings. The controversial decision by the Davis School District in northern Utah aims to maintain a sense of neutrality on all issues, but it has triggered widespread backlash from community activists who argue that the flags promote inclusivity and a sense of belonging for marginalized students.

Chris Williams, the spokesperson for the Davis School District, defended the ban by saying the flags have become “politically charged.” As a result, the district has decided to allow only the display of the United States flag in its schools. Williams later clarified that unrelated flags, such as those representing sports teams or international countries, were permitted in some schools.

Conservative groups rallied behind the district’s ban, with ultraconservative Utah Board of Education member Natalie Cline declaring that classrooms should be free from “identity politics.” For these supporters, the ban represents a victory in their fight against what they perceive as the politicization of educational spaces.

However, community activists vehemently oppose the ban, contending that the display of pride and BLM flags sends a powerful message of welcome and acceptance to students from marginalized backgrounds. They argue that it is not about expressing political views but rather fostering a sense of community. There are concerns that minority students, such as Black, Latino, and LGBTQ+ individuals, will feel less safe and visible within the school environment.

Amanda Darrow, the director of youth, family, and education at the Utah Pride Center, passionately defended the pride flag, emphasizing that it represents love and acceptance to the LGBTQ+ community. She lamented the lack of understanding from those advocating for its removal.

Although the Davis School District’s ban has been in effect for a few years, it recently gained attention when an email reminder was sent to teachers and administrators. The email, which swiftly circulated on social media, stated that the ban extended to all decorations, including stickers and pins that teachers might wear. Rainbow pins and pins indicating pronouns were explicitly prohibited. The email emphasized that previous actions were irrelevant; the ban was to be enforced moving forward.

Williams justified the ban by stating that the district was merely following state law. While Utah law does not specifically address flag displays in classrooms, it instructs teachers to avoid expressing their political or religious views. The ACLU of Utah has also stated that educators’ freedom of speech is limited within the classroom. However, different districts interpret these instructions and statutes differently when it comes to determining what decorations are permissible alongside educational materials.

In stark contrast to the Davis School District, the Salt Lake City School District has taken a different approach. Principal Nicole Palmer of Rose Park Elementary School has embraced diversity by displaying various flags, including the pride flag and the Black Lives Matter flag, in the school’s atrium. Palmer aims to create a nurturing environment where students feel welcomed and acknowledged for their true identities.

Palmer’s decision has faced both support and backlash. Following a conservative activist’s sharing of a video showcasing the flags on social media, Palmer received numerous angry calls and threatening emails demanding their removal. However, she found solace in the support of the superintendent and the district community, who regard the flags as symbols of inclusivity and love rather than political statements.

The controversy surrounding flag displays has expanded beyond these two districts, leaving other schools in Utah unsure about which stance to adopt. Mark Peterson, spokesperson for the Utah Board of Education, has clarified that each district or charter school is responsible for setting its own flag policy. The state board’s only requirement is for schools to display the American flag.

As the debate continues, questions arise regarding the line between political expression and inclusive environments within schools. Activists argue that school administrators wield too much power in determining what is considered political, often at the expense of marginalized students. They emphasize the profound impact that symbols like pride flags can have on the well-being and sense of safety of LGBTQ+ students.

While the Davis School District stands by its ban, citing the need to create a welcoming environment for all students, critics argue that the ban may inadvertently exclude and alienate certain student populations. As the discussion unfolds, Utah’s education system faces a crucial decision on how to strike a balance between neutrality and fostering a sense of inclusivity in classrooms.

A two-year Justice Department investigation found “serious and widespread racial harassment” of Black and Asian-American students in district schools. The department’s Civil Rights Division cited persistent failures to respond to reports of race-based harassment by district staff and other students. The investigation began in 2019 and covered the period of 2015-2020.