Newberg schools ban some signs and flags, including BLM and LGBTQ

(OCTOBER 1, 2021) Public schools in Newberg now have an official ban on some symbols or images. A ban is an official rule that people must not do or use something. Here, the ban stops the display of some symbols or images. The ban includes anything political or controversial.

Examples are signs that say Black Lives Matter (BLM). The ban also prohibits LGBTQ pride flags. (LGBTQ means lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer). These are not allowed at school now. However, the new policy says the U.S. flag and the state flag are acceptable.

A school leader said, "We need to get moving back towards education." Other leaders and parents suggest that these ideas divide students and do not belong in public schools. They want schools to focus only on traditional learning.

However, many students, teachers, and residents think the ban is a bad idea. They argue that it stops free speech. They say it removes visibility of minority students. Even the Oregon State Board of Education asked school leaders to change their policy. The state agency says the school should welcome and affirm all student identities.

The Newberg community has experienced multiple problems recently. One staff member came to school in blackface. She said she was protesting COVID safety rules, such as masks and social distancing. The school agreed that blackface is offensive and unacceptable, and so she was fired. Before that, some high school students took part in a "slave trade" activity on social media. Their comments were racist and homophobic.