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Board debates draft flag-display policy; staff will add college pennant exception and seek legal review
Summary
Director Jorgensen proposed limiting flags on district property to government flags (U.S., state, POW/MIA and military service flags) and making other flags temporary with prior approval; the board discussed First Amendment and classroom implications, asked staff to add an exception for college pennants, and requested a legal memo before next week's nonaction posting.
Director Jorgensen presented revisions to policy IMD to tighten which flags may be displayed on district property and to require prior permission for non-government flags. The proposed language would limit permanent displays to the U.S. flag, Colorado state flag and authorized service flags and allow other flags temporarily for instructional purposes with superintendent approval.
Board members raised concerns about academic freedom, classroom instruction (language classrooms and world-history materials that routinely use national flags), and existing school traditions (college pennants, civic displays and local flags such as the City of Colorado Springs flag). Several directors asked staff to add an explicit exception for college pennants or college displays that inspire students and to clarify whether posters or stickers showing flags for curriculum would remain allowed as part of lessons.
Directors debated whether the change could raise First Amendment questions; staff agreed to obtain a legal review and to post the draft as a nonaction item next week with counsel’s short memo for the board. The board indicated it wants an explicit statement on acceptable instructional displays and procedures for prior permission when temporary displays are appropriate.
