Arrowhead considers banning signs promoting safe spaces and other things that could 'create division'
The Arrowhead School Board is considering a policy that would prohibit "flags, signs and divisive propaganda" in an effort to "create safe, even and fair environments for the academic achievements of all students."
The policy would prohibit signs or wording implying that a certain area is a "safe space," and would also ban flags, signs, stickers or similar display items "denoting a division of race, ideology, sexual orientation, gender preference or political affiliations" from being displayed on school grounds.
Here is more about the proposal:
Specifically what would be prohibited at Arrowhead?
The proposal would prohibit "flags of any kind," with the exception of the American flag, Wisconsin state flag and flags specific to a foreign language being taught in that room. It would also forbid "race dividing" signs such as Black Lives Matter "or anything denoting one specific race"; as well as "anti racist classroom notations, rainbows or any signage of any type promoting a sexual or gender preference, political signage promoting one party or candidate over another."
The policy does not include student attire or student-owned items or vehicles as long as clothing does not conflict with the school's dress code, under the proposal.
What is the rationale for the policy?
Specifying safe zones for some and signs promoting one group over others "can create a feeling of isolation, division and estrangement," the proposal says.
"This can also create the sense that all areas of our school are not equal, with some areas being safer or more tolerant than others," it says.
Arrowhead School Board Vice President Chris Farris brought the idea to the board's policy committee.
Farris said the idea was brought up by several board members in the past and that the board is finally getting around to it now.
Farris said there are things other schools have implemented that the board has been paying attention to, but he did not specify what those were or say whether the policy was modeled off other districts' policies.
"The intention is really to create an environment that is an opportunity that is available similar for all students," he said. "I know it can't be exactly the same, but that there's no preference being shown to any one group or race or ethnicity or gender.
"Then it's really all about transparency with families. That's really where our focus is globally. I feel like this falls into those parameters."
When will the policy be discussed?
The school board's policy committee is scheduled to discuss the policy June 8, according to Myrah. The committee will decide whether the issue will advance to the full board for a vote.
Are there any other school districts with similar bans or policies?
In 2021, the Waukesha School District banned Black Lives Matter, Blue Lives Matter, Thin Blue Line, anti-racist and other posters and materials from district classrooms under its policy on controversial issues in classrooms.
The Kettle Moraine School District also added a ban on political and religious messaging, including Pride flags, in July 2022. It also banned pronouns, political language and religious views from staff emails and signatures.
The Muskego-Norway School Board passed in January changes to its staff ethics and conduct policy that prohibits staff from displaying symbols, graphics, flags, images or text in classrooms, on walls, in district email or on personal items used in front of students or parents that suggest what an employee's political or religious viewpoint is.
Contact Alec Johnson at (262) 875-9469 or alec.johnson@jrn.com. Follow him on Twitter at @AlecJohnson12.
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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Arrowhead proposed flag, sign policy intended to prevent 'division'
