Redlands school board debates flag, cultural observance policy

REDLANDS, Calif. — A proposal to limit flag displays and restrict cultural observances in the Redlands Unified School District drew a packed crowd to the school board meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 14. Parents, students and teachers voiced passionate opinions, with most opposing the measure backed by newly elected trustees Candy Olson and Jeannette Wilson.

Why it matters: The proposed policy would allow only the U.S. and California flags to be displayed on district campuses and restrict events or celebrations deemed political or ideological. Critics argue the policy marginalizes students and undermines cultural representation, while supporters see it as a way to maintain neutrality in education.

Details: Before the meeting, more than 460 public comments regarding the policy were submitted by email, with 400 in opposition. About 100 attendees lined up outside the school board meeting to share their perspectives. The majority of speakers urged the board to maintain current flag display practices.

Students were especially vocal, with about 15 from district high schools addressing the board. Many described the positive impact of inclusive representation in schools.

“Our students don’t need protection from so-called controversial agendas,” said one Redlands High School debate student. “They need protection from poverty and access to well-funded education. This policy will only lead to costly lawsuits and distract from real issues.”

Another student, identifying as an Asian transgender immigrant, described the emotional toll the policy could take. “To what extent will you erase the things that define me? I stand here for myself and my classmates, who deserve to feel seen and valued.”

Students from the Redlands High MEChA Club, an organization of diverse students in pursuit of social justice, community empowerment, and cultural awareness, voiced concern about the policy removing symbols that foster connection and belonging. 

“Our school should be a place where all students feel seen, valued, and safe. And while the proposed flag policy claims to be neutral, in reality, this practice targets flags that represent marginalized communities,” a Redlands High School senior said. 

Parents also voiced concerns, with some highlighting the potential legal costs of enforcing such a policy. Others criticized it as a distraction from pressing issues like educational quality and funding.

“Many of our national holidays are based on what were and perhaps still are controversial issues,” said Germain Miles, a parent. “Erasing history and certain groups serves only one agenda.”

Another parent added, “Please, don’t drag our children into Fox News petty politics.”

Those in support of the policy, including seven speakers at the meeting, argued for maintaining a “neutral” learning environment. They said the U.S. flag is a unifying symbol that should remain the sole focus in schools.

Others made accusations of flags and symbols being used by teachers to influence students.

"We must not ever underestimate the power that teachers have to influence kids. And just hanging a flag in a classroom is enough to do it," Lawrence Hebron, who lost a 2024 election bid against board member Melissa Ayala-Quintero, said.

Board reaction: This was the first meeting following the swearing-in of newly elected trustees Olson and Wilson, who framed the policy as a response to voter priorities.

Olson argued the policy addresses parent concerns about ideological influences in classrooms and said some families had left the district over such issues. “Parents want a neutral learning environment,” she said.

However, other trustees pushed back. Board member Ayala-Quintero questioned the lack of evidence for such complaints, noting Superintendent Juan Cabral confirmed no formal reports had been filed.

She also noted that there is “misinformation” about this policy. 

“There is no flag flying outside our buildings beyond the American and California flag, and as always, the American flag flies higher than any other. The policy is incredibly vague, which is why I assume there is so much confusion, leaving much to be left to interpretation.”

A heated exchange between Wilson and Ayala-Quintero highlighted the debate’s intensity. When Wilson cited the potential for Nazi flags under unrestricted policies, Ayala-Quintero retorted, “That is a hate symbol. Would you not agree?”

“Not to the people that believe in it,” Wilson replied. “It’s representing their group.”

Vice President Patty Holohan, referencing her 19 years on the board, advocated for inclusivity and representation. She highlighted the significance of symbols like flags for identity and connection.

“One of the things I do when I see a breast cancer flag is pray for that person because I know what it means for them,” Holohan said. “Flags mean a lot of things.”

Board President Michele Rendler, referencing her Catholic faith, called for respect and understanding for all students.

“I haven’t slept a single night thinking about this issue,” Rendler said. “It's a very hard topic to discuss."

She proposed forming a committee and conducting surveys among students to ensure diverse perspectives are considered in policy decisions. Other board members suggested parents and teachers also be surveyed.

Olson and Wilson initially opposed the idea of a survey, arguing it could produce skewed data and claiming the meeting attendees did not represent their districts. Olson pointed to the election results as evidence of support for the policy.

“They all vote, they all work hard, and they’re busy with their kids,” Olson said. “We can look at the election results.”

Ultimately, with no clear path forward, the board directed staff to prepare a survey to gather community input on the topic.

This article was originally published on Jan. 16 at 6:30 pm.