Board pulls parent notification policy pending state review, delays vote on revised library book rules and approves flag ban amid emotional public debate.
Policy limits displays to U.S., California, and military flags, with narrow exceptions
Board split 3-2 as members call for definitions, rubric, and compromise approach
Policy limits displays to U.S., California, and military flags, with narrow exceptions
REDLANDS, Calif. — The Redlands Unified School District board of education on Tuesday night passed a new policy limiting flags flown on school property to only the U.S. and California flags, with a few narrow exceptions.
The board voted 3–2 to approve the policy, with President Michele Rendler siding with board members Candy Olson and Jeannette Wilson. Board members Patty Holohan and Melissa Ayala-Quintero opposed.
Supporters of the policy said its purpose is to maintain neutrality in the classroom. Olson, who introduced the proposal, said it reflects the “best interest” of all families.
“The flag policy doesn’t discriminate against anybody. It is precisely non-discriminatory,” Olson said. “And just because one group of people want their special interest flag flown, you cannot coerce district speech to fly all special interest group flags.”
The new policy limits flag displays on campus to the U.S. and California flags, as well as military and other national or state flags used for curriculum-related educational purposes. All other flags must be approved by the superintendent and may only be used during relevant instruction. Exceptions include school championship and college flags. Student clubs may also display materials when advertising and during meetings or events.
Opponents of the policy argue it is a thinly veiled attempt to prohibit Pride flags and other student-led displays of support.
“I mean, if you would actually listen—genuinely talk to our students—maybe you’d have more understanding for why they feel they need it,” said Ayala-Quintero.
“We’re hurting a lot of our students by doing this,” Holohan added, noting the potential harm to LGBTQ+ students.
The discussion ended in a tense back-and-forth between Olson and Ayala-Quintero during the vote.
In addition to the flag policy, the board’s agenda also included proposed changes to the district’s book review process and a parental notification policy, though the latter was pulled before the start of the meeting.
More than 230 speaker slips were submitted, and public comment stretched on for more than four hours. Due to the volume, speakers were limited to 45 seconds each. Most opposed the flag policy, viewing it as a targeted attempt to ban Pride flags and a symbolic move that would harm LGBTQ+ students by removing visible signs of support.
With emotions running high, a confrontation erupted between audience members and a speaker accused of using anti-LGBTQ language during her comment. Following the exchange, board leadership ordered the room cleared and resumed public comment by allowing individuals to reenter one at a time to speak.
The meeting concluded after midnight Wednesday morning.
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