This commentary is controversial. I already hear some people calling me hateful and homophobic. My response: bitch, please.
As Pride month kicks off, I've been following the ongoing debate about which flags should be displayed in grade schools. While I understand and appreciate the desire to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students, I believe that the current trend of including flags representing various groups, causes and organizations in schools is ultimately detrimental to the core mission of education.
My stance isn't rooted in a lack of empathy or understanding. In fact, I wholeheartedly support celebrating diversity and recognizing the struggles and triumphs of all communities. I'm particularly proud of the progress we've made in advocating for rights and celebrating Pride. I firmly believe, however, that the classroom is not the appropriate venue for these displays, beyond the foundational symbols of our nation and state.
The crux of my argument lies in the slippery slope we create when we start selecting which flags are "worthy" of inclusion. Where do we draw the line? There are countless worthy causes and worthwhile organizations, each deserving of recognition. Environmental groups, anti-hunger organizations, disability rights advocates – the list goes on and on. To choose some and exclude others inevitably leads to accusations of favoritism, marginalization and, ultimately, division.
Imagine the scenario: a school displays a Pride flag but what about students who feel represented by a flag supporting a specific religious organization? Or a flag promoting a particular political viewpoint? If we allow one, we must allow them all, leading to a cluttered and potentially contentious visual landscape that distracts from the primary purpose of the education system. The reality: it's impossible to devote enough time in a classroom setting to educate students on every single worthy flag and the significance behind it.
Furthermore, in today's polarized climate, flags have become increasingly charged symbols, often carrying political or social baggage. Displaying certain flags can inadvertently create a hostile environment for students who hold differing viewpoints or come from different backgrounds. Instead of fostering unity and understanding, these displays can exacerbate divisions and alienate segments of the student body.
Don't get me wrong, I'm all for lively debate and speaking your truth (uh, hello, it's why I'm the opinion columnist here!) but there's a time and place for everything. I think it should be left up to parents to choose what their kids are exposed to -- especially when it comes to stances or an agenda.
Growing up, my parents gently introduced church to my siblings and me. We attended Sunday school, however, when we reached a certain grade, we were given the choice to continue or not. Coincidentally, the three of us bailed at that time because we weren't interested. And that was it. Our parents didn't push us. They didn't force us. It was left up to us. They exposed us to religion, we said nah, and that was the end of it. All of this was done outside of regular public school. It was done on personal time because it was a personal choice.
In present day, children are already facing unprecedented challenges in their academic development. Recent studies consistently show that students are falling behind in core subjects like reading, math and science -- and that was before the pandemic disrupted classroom learning. The focus should be laser-sharp on addressing these critical deficiencies and ensuring that all students have the foundational skills they need to succeed in the future.
Distracting from this primary objective with debates about flag displays is a disservice to young students. Create a learning environment that is free from unnecessary distractions and focused on academic excellence. By limiting the flags displayed in schools to the American flag (or whatever your country) and the state flag, we can create a neutral and unifying space that promotes a sense of shared identity and purpose.
These two flags represent the foundational principles of our nation and the unique identity of our state. They are symbols of our shared citizenship, our common history and our commitment to the democratic ideals that bind us together. They provide a framework for civic education and a starting point for exploring the complexities of our society.
I'm not suggesting that we should ignore or suppress discussions about diversity, inclusion or social justice. On the contrary, these are vital topics that should be addressed in the classroom through age-appropriate curriculum and open, respectful dialogue. However, these conversations should be facilitated in a way that encourages critical thinking, empathy and understanding, rather than through the symbolic endorsement of specific groups or causes.
By removing the distractions of partisan or advocacy-based flags and focusing on the fundamentals, schools can create a learning environment that is truly inclusive, equitable and conducive to academic success. Focus on teaching the basics and let students learn about the diverse world around them through education, not through potentially divisive displays.