The Carroll County Board of Education held its monthly meeting on Wednesday evening and voted to ban certain flags, including pride flags, on school property. The ban is described as a ban on flags that “represent political symbols.” The board voted 4-1 on Wednesday night in favor of the new policy. Students will still be allowed to wear or show materials like pride flags on their clothing.
According to Fox 45 News, “the draft policy is a result of some teachers and parents expressing concern about the Pride flag being displayed inside some county classrooms. While the policy does not specifically mention Pride symbols, it lists what flags aside from the American flag that can be used. That list does not include the flag used to show support for LGBTQ rights.”
Flags still permitted on Carroll County Public Schools property, according to a draft of the upcoming policy, include:
- The Maryland flag
- The Carroll County flag
- Flags that are used as a part of a temporary unit of study within the approved curriculum
- Flags or banners that denote a recognition of achievement and are approved by the Superintendent
- Sport tournament banners recognizing the participation of a school team
- Banners from colleges or universities or professional sports teams
Flags “representing the many nations of the world may be shown in the common areas of a school building as a multi-national display in a manner and for purposes approved by the superintendent, provided that no such flags may be as large or as prominent as the current American flag.” according to a draft of the new policy.