The Worcester School Committee voted unanimously at a recent public meeting to reject a proposal to ban the flying of all flags except those of the US, state, city and POW/MIA at city schools, according to MassLive.com.
“It is a flagrant abridgement of the First Amendment’s freedom of expression,” said one Worcester resident at the meeting. “This petition has no social value, and would only stifle free expression.”
Reports MassLive.com:
Flags of other nations, and Pride flags, will continue to fly at Worcester Public Schools following the rejection of a public petition to limit such displays.
During the School Committee meeting on Sept. 3, resident Michael Douglas presented a petition to establish a policy regarding the display of flags on school grounds and within public school buildings. Specifically, the policy would have restricted the flying of flags to government banners — U.S., state and City of Worcester flags — and the POW/MIA flag.
The proposed policy would have exempted the temporary use of flags for direct classroom instruction in history, geography or foreign languages, official school sports and spirit flags, or recognized U.S. military branch flags.
Douglas, the father of two former and two current students in Worcester Public Schools, said he based his petition on three principles: civic unity, educational focus and clear administrative guidelines.
“The national, state and city flags are universal symbols that belong equally to all residents, regardless of their background, culture or personal beliefs,” said Douglas. “By focusing on these official emblems, we reinforce a shared civic identity that unites our student body.”
Douglas added that the policy would help Worcester Public Schools focus on academic excellence, and keep the School Committee from making “subjective decisions, on a case-by-case basis” on requests to fly other flags.
“Neutrality ensures integrity,” he said.
During the public comment period, several residents voiced their objection to the petition.
Saul Ramos, a resident who’s been working for Worcester Public Schools for 26 years as a paraeducator, called the petition “ridiculous.”
“It’s nothing but a homophobic and transphobic attempt by hateful people that don’t have the guts to come out of their fragile bubbled lives and experience the cultured world we actually live in,” Ramos said.
“It is a flagrant abridgement of the First Amendment’s freedom of expression,” said resident Angie Marsh. “This petition has no social value, and would only stifle free expression.”
“I think we should encourage diversity in our schools,” said Gary Hunter, who lives in District 5. …
After a motion to file the petition, School Committee at-large member Susan Mailman asked whether the committee could vote to reject. After the chairman, Mayor Joseph Petty, said the committee could vote to reject, members voted unanimously against it. A vote to reconsider was also rejected.