There’s a debate in Hastings over what can be displayed in schools.
Community members weighed in Wednesday on a proposed restriction on non-school-sponsored materials, which could include pride flags and other symbols.
A group gathered outside of Hastings Middle School ahead of the School Board meeting, protesting the proposed change.
“This is essentially a rainbow ban among many other things,” said Jessie Nowak, a graduate and parent in the district. “The changes that they are making to this policy are not only detrimental to student safety, it’s micromanaging of teacher and staff and it’s opening up this district to potential lawsuits.”
The tentative policy is called 505 Distribution, Posting, and Display of Materials on School District Property. It states, “The purpose of this policy is to protect the free speech rights of students and employees while preserving the educational mission of the school district.”
It goes on to outline what is prohibited, including the distribution, posting and display of materials when it “promotes or opposes a political candidate, political party, ballot question, or other partisan political activity” or “promotes a personal, religious, or ideological viewpoint unrelated to the board-approved curriculum, official school programs or activities, or a legitimate instructional purpose.”
It also requires employees to have “viewpoint neutrality” in classrooms, stating, “Employees shall not display materials that a reasonable person would see as making school district spaces seem primarily dedicated to or solely identified with one particular group of students, identity, viewpoint, or interest, unless those materials are part of an approved curriculum or an officially approved district program or activities.”
Several parents and teachers spoke at the meeting, asking the board to reconsider the idea.
“We want them to put policies in place that serve every single student and family in this district,” said Nowak. “And we want them to ensure the policies are making sure the student feels safe, welcome and able to thrive.”
Others raised concerns the proposal will remove a vital lifeline for students who are seeking a trusted adult to help navigate challenges, as well as secondary impacts on heritage programs.
Vice-Chairperson Jessica Dressely explained the policy is being reviewed by the district’s legal team and any discussion on revisions will take place during a policy meeting on Thursday.
“And then we will bring it back to the board for our November or December work session with the anticipation of bringing it back for adoption by the end of the year,” said Dressely.