National teachers union issues guidance for hanging Pride flags, BLM signs in classrooms

WASHINGTON (CITC) — A national teachers union recently issued guidance on how to place “inclusive symbols” in classrooms, encouraging teachers to challenge policies prohibiting Pride flags and BLM imagery if they wish.

In a video from the National Education Association, General Counsel Alice O’Brien outlined why she believes there is value in having Pride flags, Black Lives Matter posters and other “symbols of diversity” in classrooms. Doing so is a way for educators to “support their students," she said.

“Schools can control displays in classrooms, but when they choose to do so, they have to be even-handed and they can’t single out certain viewpoints for discrimination,” O’Brien said.

She also recommended that educators consult their collective bargaining agreements when making plans to use such decorations.

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“If you administrator objects, talk to the union about how best to proceed,” O’Brien said. “If you disagree with your school district’s policy, challenge it."

She then cited a Connecticut education association that combined with parents and students to overturn a ban on Pride flags.

The video parallels an April report by NEA, which details educators’ “advocacy rights” when it pertains to classroom teaching content and protest rights.

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Pride flags in the classroom have become a contentious topic as educators and school administrator try to reconcile concerns from parents and students about political messaging in schools.

In 2021, a Missouri teacher elected to resign rather than take down a Pride flag in his classroom, NBC News reported.

Last year, a Florida parent sued their child’s school district over Pride flags in the classroom for not being in accordance with the Bible, WPEC reported.