It is alarming and deeply disturbing to hear that both Sanger Unified and Clovis Unified are restricting Pride and Black Lives Matter flags. These symbols represent important movements for justice and equality, and their display should be protected as a form of free expression.
Sanger Unified’s Policy BP 6144(a) states, “In leading or guiding class discussions about issues that may be controversial, a teacher may not advocate his/her personal opinion or point of view. When necessary, the Superintendent or designee may instruct teachers to refrain from sharing personal views in the classroom on controversial topics.”
On December 13th, more than 20 parents and students spoke during the Sanger Unified School Board meeting’s Open Forum. The speakers said that teachers at Sanger West High School are not allowed to have a pride flag in their classroom. Students asked to please allow teachers to have pride flags in their classrooms. Some stated students from the LGBTQ community would feel comfortable being in an environment where the pride flag was displayed. They claim that the flag is not a political issue, but one of love and acceptance. Here are a few photos and video highlights of a few of the speakers.
More than 20 parents and students spoke during the Sanger Unified School Board meeting’s Open Forum. The speakers said that teachers at Sanger West High School are not allowed to have a pride flag in their classroom. Students asked to please allow teachers to have pride flags in their classrooms. Some stated students from the LGBTQ community would feel comfortable being in an environment where the pride flag was displayed. They claim that the flag is not a political issue, but one of love and acceptance. Here are a few photos and video highlights of a few of the speakers. 📸🎥:Cheryl Senn/The Sanger Scene
On December 9th, Clovis Unified school district put out the following FAQ regarding board policy 6144 “Controversial Issues”:
Pride flags, in particular, are a powerful symbol of the LGBTQ+ community’s fight for equal rights and acceptance. The rainbow flag, which is the most well-known Pride flag, has been a symbol of hope and solidarity for LGBTQ+ people for decades. It is a symbol of pride in one’s identity, and it is a powerful reminder that love and acceptance should be extended to all people, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Similarly, the Black Lives Matter movement is a crucial effort to address systemic racism and to advocate for the rights and dignity of Black people. The Black Lives Matter flag is a symbol of solidarity with this movement and a call to action to work towards justice and equality for Black people.
It is important for schools to be inclusive and welcoming environments for all students, regardless of their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Banning Pride and Black Lives Matter flags sends a harmful message to students that these identities and issues are not valued or supported by the school. It is crucial for schools to foster a culture of acceptance and understanding, and banning these flags goes against that goal.
Fascism is now infiltrating public education here in the Valley. I would add to the list of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender identity “religious and cultural affiliation “ Minority faith groups in the Valley, many of whom host members of their congregations welcomingly who are openly LGBTQ, like the Jewish community in the Valley, as well as liberal Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, and Buddhists, should be mentioned amongst those who should not be discriminated against or oppressed. As a gay Jewish man, I have personally experienced the pains of anti-Semitic viewpoints and discrimination from my fellow residents in the Valley. Particularly in college but also growing up in grade school. This has done real harm to my mental health and sense of safety as a young Jewish man in the Valley. For this reason, when we point out groups to not discriminate against or oppress, it is imperative we include minority faith and cultural groups like my own, as well as Muslims, Sikhs, Hindus, and Buddhists. Simply put, add to the list of those needing rights to be as they already are, minority faith and cultural groups.
These locations are inappropriate for this type of coercion.