Ohio school district proposal would restrict classroom flags, symbols

MORROW, Ohio (WCMH) -- An Ohio school district has introduced a policy to restrict which flags and symbols can be displayed in the classroom, a move opponents say is meant to ban LGBTQ+ Pride flags.

Warren County's Little Miami Board of Education will consider for second review on Jan. 28 a resolution that would enact "a neutral policy in respect to the appropriate usage and display of the items" in classrooms and school buildings. United States and Ohio flags would be permitted, along with the Little Miami flag, the district's mascot and the following symbols:

• Displays in the classroom "as part of a temporary unit of study within the curriculum," or "denote a recognition of achievement and are approved by the superintendent."
• Ohio High School Athletic Association or similar sport tournament displays.
• Displays from branches of the military and universities.
• Flags of countries representing foreign exchange students.

The proposal drew a crowd of proponents and opponents during the resolution's first review on Dec. 17, like Katherine Ruck, a Maineville pediatrician, who urged the board to reject the policy and emphasized "the importance of acceptance, allowing for people of all socioeconomic, political, neurodivergent, sexual orientation, race and ethnicity to feel like they have a place."

"This proposed flag policy appears to be a thinly veiled attempt to remove any potential cultural of LGBTQ+ ally flags, and I hope all here sees that for what it is," Ruck said. "To retain our fantastic teachers and to continue to develop a kinder, more compassionate world, I hope that we can all agree this policy does not aid in making our schools any safer."

Little Miami's proposal is nearly identical to a Big Walnut School Board of Education policy that passed in December 2023 to also restrict which flags and symbols can be displayed in the classroom. Later that month, the ACLU of Ohio sent a letter demanding Big Walnut to repeal the measure, arguing the policy is "vague to the point of incoherence" and violates students' First Amendment rights. Watch a previous NBC4 report on Big Walnut's policy above.

The resolution also outlines that flyers, notices and invitations for clubs shall only be placed on bulletin boards approved by building administrators. These signs cannot be any larger than an 8.5" x 11" sheet of paper.

If passed, the policy would apply "to displays affixed to the grounds, stadium fencing, walls, doors, ceilings, or any other furnishings or appurtenances of any public school system building, vehicle, or the facility owned or operated by the Board of Education." This applies to any electronic messaging, including emails on the district's network.

Kelly Kohls, executive director of the National School Board Leadership Council, spoke in support of the resolution during the December review and claimed there is "a groundswell of citizens waiting to see [the board] to reject this policy so they can send you their desired flags and displays with the intent to see you either display their version of virtue signaling or refuse to display their flag and displays."

"If you refuse to display everyone's flags and displays, they plan to sue you for viewpoint discrimination," Kohls said. "I'm sure you want to protect your limited and stretched funds for more important things than lawsuits. Both U.S. and Ohio state laws specifically states that the board is solely responsible for approving curriculum. Flags and displays are part of that curriculum."

Rowan Rozzi, a 2020 Little Miami graduate, testified against the proposal and spoke about their experience coming out as a transgender man in eighth grade, when they "experienced firsthand what it feels like to be othered or ostracized simply."

"I was extremely involved, yet my classmates wanted to belittle me and reduce me and to make me small and unseen all because of the way I identify," Rozzi said. "'Safe Space' stickers or other forms of displays on teacher's doors were affirming to me because they told me this educator would see me for more than my identity."

Christian Mays, a member of the Warren County Republican Central Committee, argued the resolution should be approved given the results of the November election. Mays also cited several recently passed Ohio laws that opponents argue are "anti-LGBTQ+," including a ban on certain healthcare for trans youth and another that will require teachers to notify parents before teaching "sexuality content."

"The ideologies that would oppose the flags and displays policy were soundly defeated here in Warren County. They were defeated nationally, as well," Mays said. "The purpose of the policy is to protect our children, keep them from unduly being influenced from personal beliefs or political opinions. This is the type of common-sense policy that must be passed."

Little Miami's policy is under consideration as a New Richmond Exempted Village School teacher is taking her district to court after she was suspended for having books in her class library with LGBTQ+ characters.