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Board reviews draft flag/display policy changes; staff to seek legal review and add college pennant exception
Summary
Director Jorgensen brought forward proposed edits to District 11’s observances and flag‑display policy that would limit flag displays on district property to government flags and call for schools to provide an opportunity for the Pledge of Allegiance; board members asked for clarifications and legal review.
Board Director Richard Jorgensen introduced proposed revisions to the district policy on observances, school ceremonies and display of flags (policy IMD). The draft would emphasize displays of government flags (the U.S. flag, Colorado flag, military service flags and POW/MIA recognition) on district property and would discourage other flag displays except for prior superintendent permission for curriculum‑related or temporary uses.
Jorgensen said the intent is to create a "neutral learning environment" and to ensure daily opportunities for the Pledge of Allegiance at school sites. "It was frustrating to me to learn that not all of our schools gave the daily pledge of allegiance, in the mornings with their morning announcements," he told the board.
Board members requested clarifications and adjustments. Several pointed out common classroom materials (maps, historical posters, and flags used as teaching aids) and college pennants used to motivate students; they asked staff to clarify that curricular and instructional displays are allowed. Others raised free‑speech and academic‑freedom concerns and asked for legal review about whether limiting displays on district property could raise First Amendment issues in certain contexts. One board member suggested adding an explicit exception for college pennants; another asked staff to explain which elements of the draft are statutory (the existing requirement that schools provide an opportunity to recite the Pledge appears in state statute) and which are policy.
District staff said they would circulate a revised draft that (1) clarifies that curricular or instructional materials used within lessons are not intended to be prohibited, (2) explicitly allows college pennants that are academically relevant or encourage higher education, and (3) be submitted to the district attorney for a legal review of First Amendment implications prior to board action.
Why it matters: the policy sets expectations for school environments and for how staff, students and the public may display symbols on district property; the board asked for legal review to ensure the policy balances neutrality, curriculum needs and constitutional protections.
