A recent decision in an Alameda County school district has opened up discussion on what a pride flag symbolizes.
During the summer, Superintendent Molleen Barnes of the Sunol Glen School Board authorized a pride flag to be flown on the grounds of a K-8 school. In her eyes, the display of the flag aimed to demonstrate a positive message to students.
“We’re a place of equity and inclusivity,” she professed.
Yet, when the topic circulated into discussion among other members of the district, Barnes received ample disagreement.
“They have crossed the line…” argued Lisa Disbrow. The teacher compared the pride flag to “a sexual credit card,” which encourages “students to engage in sexual behaviors, identities, when they’re still minors.”
Back and forth the arguments went.
However, in an early September board meeting, one argument prevailed. After both several individuals requested that the flags of other groups be displayed, and countless others expressed their viewpoints, the board came to a vote—in a 2-1 agreement, Sunol Glen Unified School District banned all flags, with the exception of those of the national and state.
The board’s decision caused a massive uproar both locally and statewide. Arguing that the ban targeted the LGBTQ+ community, many assured the board that their decision did not mark the end of the fight. With promises of “recall efforts” and questions of lawsuits, the Sunol Glen School Board may have larger obstacles approaching.