By Heidi Ganahl | Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice
The Durango 9-R School Board is poised to take an alarming step that undermines the values of neutrality and inclusivity our schools should uphold.
On Tuesday, the school board plans to vote on a resolution that would officially designate certain political symbols — like the Black Lives Matter and Progress Pride flags — as the district’s own speech. This sleight of hand allows them to avoid the protections of the 1st Amendment, shutting the door on diverse perspectives while granting preferential treatment to one viewpoint.
Let’s be clear: this is government-sanctioned discrimination. By rebranding these flags as “compatible with educational goals,” the board is imposing a specific political ideology on our classrooms. This is wrong. Our schools should be safe spaces for learning, free from divisive political messaging.
Families in Durango want classrooms that are focused on education, not politics. If all political flags can’t be allowed, then none should be displayed—except for the American and Colorado state flags, which represent unity and shared citizenship, and are required by state statute to be displayed in classrooms.
Your voice matters! Here’s how you can act now:
- Attend the School Board Meeting
Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024
5:30 p.m.
Durango High School – IMPACT Center: 2390 Main Avenue, Durango, CO 81301
Public comments are limited to just 10 speakers on a first-come, first-serve basis. Arrive early to secure your spot!
2. Write to the board to make your position known:
Tell the Board to reject this resolution and keep our classrooms politically neutral. Email your concerns to:
Together, we can ensure our schools remain focused on education — not political agendas. Let’s stand up for neutrality and fairness in our classrooms!
Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in commentary pieces are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the management of the Rocky Mountain Voice, but even so we support the constitutional right of the author to express those opinions.