After extensive discussions surrounding the looming flag policy for Marblehead public schools, the school committee is holding a virtual meeting on Thursday, Feb. 13, to provide students with a platform to share their thoughts, concerns, and opinions on the policy.
Currently, there is no established flag policy in Marblehead public schools, prompting the need for one to be created. According to school committee chair and policy subcommittee chair, Jenn Schaeffner, when an issue arises regarding policies that are not yet in place, it becomes necessary to draft and implement one. This ensures that there is clear guidance for administrators, teachers, and students regarding what is permitted on school grounds.
Over the last several months, the discussion about the flag policy has been a contentious issue, with various proposals and drafts being considered.
Some of these drafts have suggested restricting flag displays to only the U.S., Massachusetts, and POW (prisoner of war) flags while eliminating the display of Black Lives Matter (BLM) and Pride flags.
This proposal has sparked debate among students, educators, and community members, as it directly impacts expressions of identity, inclusivity, and activism within the school environment.
Last year, when the school committee drafted a similar policy, many students expressed their dissatisfaction with the decision, leading to a student-led protest. During the demonstration, students held signs advocating for their right to freedom of speech and expression, emphasizing the importance of representation and inclusivity within the school community. The response from students highlighted the deep passion and strong opinions surrounding this issue.
Thursday’s meeting presents an opportunity for students to voice their opinions in a structured discussion format, differing from the usual public comment process, which does not allow direct responses from school committee members. In this upcoming forum, students will not only be able to express their views, but committee members will also be able to engage in a dialogue with them, creating a more interactive and open conversation.
The school committee shared, “The school committee has already held two sessions with our students regarding the flag policy. Those were listening sessions and were done privately during Magic Block. This time, we are using an open meeting platform that will be open to the public for viewing.”
In addition to the student forum, the school committee also plans to hold a similar forum for the broader community. However, a date for this event has yet to be determined. The committee hopes that by engaging both students and the community, they can create a policy that reflects the values and perspectives of all stakeholders involved.
“The school committee believes it is important that both our students and community are heard and are an integral part of our process, whenever possible. We are looking forward to what will hopefully be a very fruitful discussion,” said the school committee.
