Fly That Flag!

Simple. Inclusive. Clear.

As a middle school and high school teacher for many years in Minnesota and Colorado, I know one thing; with confidence, trust, and clear guidelines, students will thrive! That is why the solution to the flag issue is simple, and follows Occam’s Razor, where the simplest solution with the least amount of elements, is the best option.

Symbols – Identity – Judgements

In this case we have a set of symbols that are being interpreted differently based on personal life experiences, and beliefs. For cooperation to happen the students need to feel safe, and free to express who they are. The projections by adults, and especially the decision makers, are blocking the freedom of identity and expression.

The board and local community members need to feel safe and heard. If trust in the process is not established, a solution will not be discovered or sustained.

From all that I have investigated, I see that two surveys were conducted this year that help us understand the student’s thinking:

• The Youth Truth survey conducted in January, 2026.
• The Sonoma Valley High School student leadership survey, done after the flag was taken down by Trustee David Bell.
• Neither of these are found publicly, but what is known is that safety, bullying, and mental health are real issues facing all students, especially LBGTQ+.

The student leadership survey did ask about the flag flying, and 57% of the overall student body answered the survey. 40% were in favor of year round flying of the flag. But over 400+ students were not part of the results, and had no voice.

Solution: Rainbow Pride Flag Flies

Based on current events, and all ideas put forward that I have reviewed, I believe the rainbow Pride flag should be kept up year round, and other flags considered for students and groups who want to fly a flag during the year. A board meeting each year, during the school year, can allow for commentary and new ideas, consummating in a vote to keep status quo, or change the policy.

The flag should fly until the LGBTQ+ community, and all students, are assured of safety and non-discrimination.
–Betty Baily

Step 1: A Common Sense Policy

Establish a symbol policy that applies to all campuses, flags, or symbols of any kind. This policy would include:

1. What types of symbols can be displayed, and what cannot be displayed, such as any symbol that is political in nature or has a history of hate and exclusion. The rainbow flag was established for the specific reason of inclusion in 1978. Other 70’s symbols, that have had an impact Universally, include the smiley face 🙂, and the peace symbol ☮️.
2. List specific flags currently in society that cannot be flown, such as the KKK flag, Trump flag, or other flags that were established to exclude people or identities.
3. Establish a realistic way for student groups to petition to fly a flag, and for what reason and time period.
4. Send a letter to all families outlining the policy, and help everyone feel included by offering solutions for displaying important symbols or flags that matter to the students.

Step 2: Importance of Care and Support

The rainbow Pride flag should fly till all students that are LBGTQ+ feel as safe as all other students. This flag is special in our society, unlike any flag in history, as opposed to the American flag that has historically not been inclusive of all citizens.

What is the conclusion?

This question will be determined by those making the decisions, and in 2026 we all need symbols; ones that uplift and inspire us, as well as ones that guide us towards being better people, better at caring for others, or can help each of us find our identity.