Redlands school board to discuss flag ban, holiday observance policies

REDLANDS, Calif. — The Redlands Unified School District Board of Education is set to discuss its flag and holiday observance policies at its meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 14. 

Why it matters: The proposed policy would limit the types of flags allowed on school grounds, including the rainbow pride flag, and could ban certain commemorative celebrations or events that "promote or advocate for political, social, or ideological movements."

Details: The proposed policy, Board Policy 6115, addresses observed holidays, school-sponsored events, and guidelines for displaying flags on school grounds.

Here's a look at what it would mean:

• Flag displays: Under the proposed policy, flags permitted on school grounds would be limited to the U.S. and California flags unless they are country, state or U.S. military flags used for educational purposes within the adopted curriculum. This includes "posters, digital displays, flyers, and any other related display."
  
  Other flags would require prior approval from the superintendent and could be displayed only for educational purposes during instructional periods.
  
  There are some exceptions for school championship flags, academic achievement flags and various national flags displayed in classrooms, recreational rooms or gymnasiums.
  
• Holidays and commemorative days: The policy aligns with California Education Codes 37220 and 37221, which designate certain federal and state holidays as school closures and outline additional days to be commemorated with educational activities.
  
  Examples of commemorative days listed in the Education Code include Susan B. Anthony Day (Feb. 15), Cesar Chavez Day (March 31), Native American Day (fourth Friday in September) and John Muir Day (April 21).
  
  The proposed policy would continue the celebration and recognition of "broadly recognized national and cultural holidays," and lists some examples, including Veterans Day, Thanksgiving and Black History Month.
  
  The policy leaves interpretation by the board as to which commemorative days could be "perceived as divisive, controversial or exclusive."
  
• Prohibited activities: The policy would prohibit employees, volunteers and district social media from promoting or recognizing "political or social agendas, activism, or ideological and highly controversial positions" while representing the district or participating in school events.

What they're saying: The discussion is being brought forward by Candy Olson, the newly elected Trustee Area 5 representative. Olson was endorsed by Awaken Redlands, which describes itself as “a non-partisan group of parents and community members focused on preserving traditional values in our city and schools,” and the IE Family Pac.

"I am very excited to move forward in creating politically neutral classrooms, where all families and students feel welcome and their values respected," Olson wrote CFR in an email Monday, Jan. 13. “I aim to end the division and culture wars—instead focus on improving academics, which is why the kids are there in the first place. The beautiful thing about the American Flag is that it unites us all. Focusing on our unity, while respecting each other’s differences, will be the most productive way to bring cohesiveness and a sense of belonging for everyone.”

Together for Redlands, a local community group, is encouraging residents to attend the meeting and voice opposition to the policy.

As of publication, 870 letters had been submitted through the group's campaign posted on Action Network: Write to the RUSD School Board in Favor of Free Speech.

“Right now, our public schools are seriously underfunded. Important programs like speech and debate and band continue to have funding cuts," Samantha Trad, a Together for Redlands spokesperson, said in a message to CFR on Monday, Jan. 13. "Instead of focusing on how to support these programs that enrich students' lives, our school board is focusing on a culture war policy that will drain our schools of much needed funding,” she said.

Opponents of the proposed changes have raised concerns over the fallout of a policy like this, citing recent controversies in the Temecula Valley Unified School District, which adopted a similar policy in 2023. The Temecula Valley Unified’s flag ban and forced outing of students was later reversed after the California Public Employment Relations Board ruled it violated employee contracts, reported by the Press-Enterprise.

How to participate: The proposed policy can be viewed in agenda item XX a.

The RUSD Board of Education meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 14, at 25 W. Lugonia Ave.

• Written public comments may be submitted by emailing meetinginput@redlands.k12.ca.us
• Public comments can also be made in person during the meeting.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.