An Oregon school board voted to ban pride flags and Black Lives Matter flags from classrooms.
The decision was made with a 4-3 vote, taking effect in the Newberg School District, which has roughly 5,000 children.
School Board Director Brian Shannon urged his colleagues to do away with political references in the classroom so they “can focus on the already difficult task of educating our students in the core subjects.”
Not all faculty were on board with the decision, with some saying the Black Lives Matter and pride flags were symbols of “love and support.”
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“They are messages of love and support,” said teacher Stacey Dalton. “White and or heteronormative students, the majority, see their own validation consistently in the curriculum Newberg school districts have adopted and therefore do not need extra messages of support.”
“Research shows an affirming school environment improves behavioral, academic, and mental health outcomes for all students,” said Caitlin Collins, a wife of a teacher.
The school board will establish a three-member policy committee that will determine what is considered a political symbol.
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Lawyers will need to review the decision before it is enforced, Superintendent Joe Morelock said. State legislators appealed to the school board to allow the flags in schools.
“As a BIPOC caucus, we’re keeping a very close eye on this,” said Oregon state Rep. Ricki Ruiz.
