**This story was updated late Wednesday after MHS Principal Michele Carlson sent an email to families announcing a “listening session” now scheduled for Thursday. Read more below.
Carrying signs that read “Listen to Us,” “Student Voice, Student Choice” and “Stop the Censorship,” more than 50 students and adults stood on Pleasant Street outside Marblehead High School Wednesday protesting a draft proposal giving the School Committee total control over what flags, banners and signs can hang in schools.
“It feels like students are being completely ignored,” said MHS student Siena Day, one of the protest’s organizers.
“Students are the ones inside the schools, and we should have a say,” said student Olivia Niles.
“This is an issue that mostly affects students,” added student Kate Twomey.
Three hours after the protest, MHS Principal Michele Carlson sent an email to families announcing that a “listening session about flags in school” would be held Thursday during school with Assistant Superintendent Julia Ferreira and School Committee member Jenn Schaeffer.
The School Committee’s subgroup on policy, led by Schaeffner, came up with the draft in response to a request from the administration after a mother removed a Black Lives Matter banner in the high school cafeteria without permission.
The draft only allows U.S., Massachusetts and Marblehead flags by right, and requires students to get the School Committee’s approval to hang anything else, and only for 30 days. The policy does not list the criteria the School Committee will use to make its decisions. (See the full draft below.)
Student organizers have a plan to create a student board to determine a flag policy. They hope to present it to the policy subgroup.
Asked about School Committee members’ response to their request, Day and co-organizer Sophia Weiner both replied, “No comment.”
“We’re happy to have the support of students,” Day continued. “That’s what matters to us.”
School Committee Chair Sarah Fox did speak with Weiner, but did not respond to requests for comment from the Current. Schaeffner did not return messages.
Lindsay Smith brought her daughters, ages 11 and 8, to the protest.
“I am here supporting our student leaders,” Smith said. “I’m angry that our School Committee is not listening to them.”
Many students expressed concern that the new draft policy would lead to the removal of the BLM and trans flags that hang in the high school cafeteria.
“It’s important for those flags to stay up so under-represented communities don’t feel hurt,” Twomey said.
Several members of the Marblehead Racial Justice Team stood with students, carrying signs.
“We are dismayed by the School Committee’s decision in this matter and the negative impact it will make,” said member Pastor Jim Bixby, who leads Clifton Lutheran Church. “Our message to students, faculty and administrators is that we are here for you, and MRJT supports the right of peaceful self-expression and celebration of our diverse identities. We will work to reverse this decision.”
Weiner said students are also nervous that removing flags will lead to more restrictions.
“We really just don’t want to open the door for there to be more bannings,” she said. “Even if the School Committee says it won’t ban books or speech, we don’t want to set a precedent where this is OK.”
Here is the current draft policy. It must be heard at three School Committee meetings before being voted on.
It shall be the policy of the Marblehead Public Schools (MPS) to only permit the flying of the American flag or banners, the Massachusetts state flag or banners, and the town of Marblehead flag or banners on school grounds, and/or in school buildings.
Any group/organization or individual wishing to place any sign, banner, or flag on MPS buildings, grounds, transportation vehicles or other property must submit a written request to the School Committee, along with a picture, photo or drawing of the proposed item showing all measurements and colors.
Requests will be reviewed and approved or denied on a case-by-case basis based on the following conditions:
1. Items must relate to or be in furtherance of the district’s educational goals, programs, activities or events, and sentiments; and
2. Items are subject to review under 603 CMR 26.00: Access To Equal Educational Opportunity
3. Approved items may be approved for display for a minimum of one day and a maximum of one month.
Such items must be approved in advance as appropriate under the circumstances and in accordance with this policy. No decision by the School Committee will be considered precedent setting for future requests, including the same group/organization or item(s).
