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Gilroy Unified board approves amended Pride‑month flag resolution after public debate; limits display to district office and high schools
Summary
After public comment and trustee debate, the board voted to approve an amended resolution permitting Pride flags to be flown at the district office and high‑school flagpoles (four high schools plus district office), with staff training and a phased approach discussed by trustees.
The board considered a resolution recognizing June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month and debated whether to fly Pride flags on district flagpoles. A public commenter urged the board to vote against flag‑raising, arguing schools should remain neutral; the speaker read religious text to oppose the measure.
Supporters on the board said flying the flag is a symbolic way to signal inclusion for LGBTQ+ students who the superintendent and trustees described as a marginalized group that has experienced hate incidents on district campuses. Opponents raised concerns about neutrality, parental authority, and setting precedents for other flags. Trustees discussed a compromise: limit flag flying this year to the district office and high‑school flagpoles (secondary sites) and ensure staff receive training and resources to answer student questions.
The board approved the amended resolution on a roll call vote recorded as: Melissa Giri — yes; Twin Fiak — yes; Mark Good — no; Gabriella Kim — no; Michelle Nelson — absent; James Pace — yes; Linda Peno — yes. The motion carried 4–2 with one absence.
Trustees and staff emphasized that the action is symbolic and that the district will continue to address hate incidents and provide support services. If the board or superintendent expands the display in future years, trustees said they would plan training and communication with families first.
