DAVIS COUNTY, Utah — Are LGBTQ and Black Lives Matter flags contentious, or do they promote inclusion?
School administrators with the Davis County School District believe these flags are too politically charged, and therefore will not allow them on school grounds.
They say that classrooms are politically neutral, and therefore fly flags that show Utah pride, such as for the Utah Jazz as well as the U.S. flag.
“We’ve had a policy like this for a long time. We're basically following a state law that says we have to do everything we can to keep our classrooms as politically neutral as possible,” said Davis County spokesman Chris Williams, and said they've had this policy for a number of years.
But those opposed to this decision say it is already having a negative impact on LGBTQ students.
"When you’re told that you don’t belong or not included, it is so hard on these kids, and they’re telling me during support groups and during time with activities with them how hard it is to be in schools that don’t accept them," said Amanda Darrow, Director of Youth Family and Education for the Utah Pride Center.
Ultimately, Darrow wants to know who was behind this decision and why they decided to go this route.
The Utah Pride Center says they heard about flags being taken down at some schools two weeks ago.
"My first reaction was just gut wrenching pain. I felt so horribly hurt by what my students and our LGBTQIA+ community is going to go through and see,” said Darrow.
Williams said the timing for taking down the flags had to do with a recent training with principals that reinforced their rule, possibly prompting some staff to take the flags down.
But the district wants everyone to know they are all accepted, flag or not.
“I think our classrooms have always been inclusive. We love every student that walks through our doors,” Williams explained.
