Parents tell Centennial board they feel classroom equity pledge and Pride displays unfairly prioritized over other views

Two parents spoke during public comment at the April 8 Centennial School District board meeting to complain about displays and messaging at Klinger Middle School, raising concerns about discipline and alleged unequal treatment of students who challenged those displays.

One parent, identified in the meeting as Ms. Shum, said Klinger had promoted a Day of Silence and displayed Pride flags and related posters across the school. She said students who tore down posters were punished and that her son received an after-school detention after covering Pride posters with printed American flags and Post-it notes. She also said students who wore shirts expressing Christian-themed messages were later suspended and described students receiving threats after wearing rival messages.

Samantha Moser, who identified herself as the mother of a student, told the board her son was disciplined after recording students removing posters and said she was concerned about perceived inconsistency in how the school treats identity-based expression versus faith or patriotic expression. "This isn't about silencing anyone," Moser said. "It's about ensuring that no one's group's messages take priority over another and that students who respectfully express themselves whether through faith, patriotism or personal beliefs are supported and not punished."

Board members asked for more information and said administration would follow the district's review process. Principal Mr. Hayes stood up and offered to share the origin of the equity pledge; he said the pledge grew from a student equity group working with a district coordinator and that the pledge is recited after the Pledge of Allegiance by KTV at Klinger. The principal read the pledge aloud to the board: "I pledge to treat everyone as they would like to be treated. I will be accepting of all people and show them kindness and respect. I pledge to learn other stories and develop an appreciation for their uniqueness. I am an amazing individual and will treat myself with kindness and positivity." The principal said the elementary and middle schools use the pledge but he was not sure if the high school does.

Board members clarified that participation in the equity pledge is voluntary and noted the distinction between policies and administrative regulations; they directed administrators to review the complaints and promised follow-up. Superintendent Dr. Dana Bennett said the district would check whether district practice or policy regarding posters, displays and student expression had been inconsistently applied and directed district staff to collect details.

No board action was taken at the meeting; administrators said they would contact the parents and review the incidents and applicable procedures.

Context and next steps

- The equity pledge is recited after the Pledge of Allegiance at Klinger, according to the principal; administrators said participation is voluntary. - Parents raised discipline concerns including detentions and suspensions. The board directed administration to investigate and follow the district's complaint and review process. - The board requested information on the pledge's origin and which schools use it.

Community response

Board members said all complaints about unequal treatment should be reviewed through the district process. Dr. Bennett asked district staff to gather the parents' contact information and promised the administration would look into the specifics and report back to the board.