MESA, Ariz. — Arizona's largest school district is considering banning certain flags on school grounds that display "divisive" messages.
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.
“The American Flag should be sufficient," Walden said during the meeting.
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.
The Betsy Ross flag is also deemed acceptable.
Items representing LGBTQ+, Black Lives Matter and political signs supporting presidential candidates or others are not allowed.
Public comment was held and only one person spoke.
“Display of these flags in this context is the very definition of indoctrination," said Ed Steele who specifically addressed LGBTQ+ and BLM items.
The proposal is now raising concerns with LGBTQ+ groups like Phoenix Pride.
“It raises a flag of a different color," said Jeremy Helfgot, a spokesperson for Phoenix Pride.
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.
Board member Kiana Sears said she was against the measure for that reason.
“It does restrict student’s freedom of speech," Sears said.
Walden said she would be open to revising the policy.
"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.
Watch 12News+ for free
You can now watch 12News content anytime, anywhere thanks to the 12News+ app!
The free 12News+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"—on Roku and Amazon Fire TV.
12News+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona.
Users can also watch on-demand videos of top stories, local politics, I-Team investigations, Arizona-specific features and vintage videos from the 12News archives.
Roku: Add the channel from the Roku store or by searching for "12 News KPNX."
Amazon Fire TV: Search for "12 News KPNX" to find the free 12News+ app to add to your account, or have the 12News+ app delivered directly to your Amazon Fire TV through Amazon.com or the Amazon app.
Up to Speed
Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12News YouTube channel. Subscribe today.