Students protest Sonoma Valley Unified School District's decision to ban Pride flags
SONOMA, Calif. (KGO) -- Dozens of students gathered outside Sonoma Valley High School Tuesday to protest a school board decision that prohibits schools from flying the Pride flag, arguing that the move ignores students' voices and undermines efforts to foster an inclusive environment.
"I think that it is incredibly, for lack of a better word, stupid to not listen to the kids," said Sonoma Valley High School student Avery Nicole.
Students were joined by parents, community members and local supporters who rallied across the street from the school. Organizers said they were there to show solidarity with students upset by the policy change.
"There's so many times that people don't know how other people feel and the school communicated, you were welcome here," said Ellen Labruce of Sonoma.
The protest featured a single counter-protester. The controversy began months ago when Sonoma Valley Unified School District Board President David Bell raised concerns about the Pride flag's presence on campus.
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"I did not order the Pride flag removed. I gave the acting superintendent a choice, put the flag discussion on the next board agenda, or take it down and see what happens," Bell said.
After months of discussion and student input, the school board voted 3-2 to allow only the U.S. and California flags to be flown at district schools. Bell, Catarina Landry and Jason Lehman voted for it. Anne Ching and Gerardo Guzman voted against.
Bell argued the issue centered on the process by which the Pride flag was originally approved.
"When the flag went up in 2019, no process was created for any other group to apply. What was called 'inclusion' became, in practice, exclusion of all but one group," he said.
Students opposing the decision said the Pride flag represented a welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ students and others seeking acceptance.
"We have a safe place. Not just here, but in the community, like at the library here. And that we're loved, because I feel like a lot of kids don't get that represented at home," said Aurora, a student at the protest.
The board's vote concludes months of debate over the Pride flag's future in the district, but the student protest highlighted continuing disagreement over what the flag represents and who should decide what symbols are displayed on school campuses.
