'The American Flag should be sufficient': Mesa Public Schools considers ban on certain flags
MPS board member proposed changing the policy to prevent students and staff from displaying "ideological" messages. MPS board member Rachel Walden has proposed a policy change to prevent students and staff from displaying "ideological" messages on school grounds. The policy amendment would ban flags and merchandise displayed by students or staff that depict political, social, and ideological messaging. Not all flags would be banned, including American, Arizona, and school flags. If approved, it would also prevent people from displaying stickers, posters, banners, and clothes that show political or ideological messages. Walden, who is currently suing Mesa Public Schools for its policies regarding transgender students, believes this change is necessary to keep schools neutral and avoid involvement in political issues that are partisan or divisive. The board voted to discuss the amendment in a private executive session to determine if it can proceed without legal repercussions.
Veröffentlicht : vor 2 Wochen durch Author: Chase Golightly in
MPS board member proposed changing the policy to prevent students and staff from displaying "ideological" messages.
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During a Mesa Public Schools governing board meeting at the end of May, board member Rachel Walden discussed preventing flags and merchandise displayed by students or staff that portray "political, social, and ideological messaging," according to the policy amendment.
It's not just flags that would be banned from school campuses. If approved, it would also prevent people on campus from displaying stickers, posters, banners, and clothes that show political or ideological messages.
Walden, who is currently suing Mesa Public Schools for its policies regarding transgender students said, this change is necessary to keep schools neutral and not get involved in political issues that are partisan or divisive.
Not all flags would be banned. The amendment allows the American, Arizona and school flags to be displayed. Classrooms can also have flags of other countries but they must be part of a history or world history curriculum and not be as large or prominent as the American Flag.
Flags and banners that show school achievement are also allowed along with one representing universities, Mesa Schools or professional sports teams.
“Display of these flags in this context is the very definition of indoctrination," said Ed Steele who specifically addressed LGBTQ+ and BLM items.
Helfgot said he believes the ban will make many students who are LGBTQ+ feel uncomfortable and even unsafe in school.
“It also sends a terrible message to the broader student community that you have to live in fear of being who you are," Helfgot said.
Board members discussed the amendment. Many said they would want to check the legality of the measure to make sure they are not impeding on anyone's rights.
"I'm happy to remove the parts about students," Walden said, but she does want to keep the restrictions to teachers and staff.
In the end, the board voted to take this matter into a private executive session to discuss with the district's attorney about the matter and if it is something that can move forward without legal repercussions. That meeting is scheduled for Tuesday.
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