MARBLEHEAD — The School Committee has drafted a policy requiring approval for any flags or banners to be displayed on school grounds aside from the American flag, the Massachusetts state flag or banners, and the Town of Marblehead flag.
The draft was discussed at a recent Policy Subcommittee meeting, but no vote was taken to adopt the policy, according to a statement released by the committee.
Initial conversations to insert a flag policy for the district began in October after a parent took down a Black Lives Matter flag in the high-school cafeteria. This prompted then-acting Superintendent Michelle Cresta to ask the committee to look into its flag-raising and removal policy, which revealed that one did not exist.
“This request followed the administration seeking guidance through the district’s policies, as is appropriate, to address concerns brought forth by several community members,” the statement explained. “There is currently no such policy in place. This is often how policy development originates.”
The policy begins by stating that “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.”
If a party wishes to place “any sign, banner, or flag” on Marblehead Public Schools property, including vehicles, a written request must be submitted for review. In addition to the request, a picture or drawing, along with all measurements and colors of the item, must be presented.
The policy also states that any requests will be “reviewed and approved or denied on a case-by-case basis” under three conditions, including that items will only be able to remain on display for a maximum of one month and a minimum of one day.
The other conditions list that any items must “relate to or be in furtherance of the district’s educational goals, programs, activities or events, and sentiments,” and items being requested are subject to review under the Equal Educational Opportunity Act.
“Such items must be approved in advance as appropriate under the circumstances and in accordance with this policy,” the draft reads. “No decision by the School Committee will be considered precedent-setting for future requests, including the same group/organization or item(s).”
In the statement, the committee said that the next action plan will be to refine wording in the draft through the Policy Subcommittee. From there, the policy will be formally read to the whole School Committee body three times before votes on approval take place.
