Flag Ban Proposal May Remove LGBTQ+ Pride, Military Banners From Anne Arundel Schools

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD — A new proposal introduced Wednesday could ban some flags from Anne Arundel County Public Schools.

Supporters say this would codify which flags are allowed and assure the government flags are always respected.

Opponents worry that this would prohibit flags for causes like:

• Military branches
• POW/MIA
• LGBTQ+ Pride
• Black Lives Matter
• Police Lives Matter
• Ukraine
• Colleges
• Sports teams

If passed, the policy would always permit the display of the United States, Maryland, Anne Arundel County and City of Annapolis flags.

All other flags on display must have "a bona fide educational purpose." A school's principal or their designee would determine which flags meet these criteria, leaving room for different standards between schools.

This proposal is not just limited to the flagpoles outside school buildings. It would also regulate flag usage anywhere on AACPS property, including classrooms and athletic facilities.

Some think this would be similar to a Carroll County policy that banned LGBTQ+ Pride flags among others in schools last year.

The proposal also drew comparisons to a failed attempt in 2022 to ban non-government flags at Anne Arundel County government-owned buildings.

Reactions To Proposal

Katherine Moore is most concerned with the policy's potential effects on the military and LGBTQ+ communities.

Moore is a teacher whose husband served in the Air Force for 20 years. She said military branch flags are important for students with parents in the armed forces. These flags can comfort children while their parents are overseas.

"Teachers are at the mercy of a civilian principal who may not see the connection between the meaning of that branch flag and the student's ability to succeed while their parent is deployed," Moore said at the Wednesday meeting.

Moore also has a son who was bullied in middle school after coming out as part of the LGBTQ+ community. She thinks Pride flags can help students through the coming out process.

"I don't know how he would have survived without the compassion of some of his teachers and the regulations that support the forming of all clubs," Moore said. "His principal at the time didn't want a [Genders and Sexualities Alliance], but regulations supported the students, and the club was formed. This policy shouldn't pass [and] give that principal the grounds to say no to a pride flag."

Kerry Gillespie, a mother of four, spoke in favor of the proposal and emphasized the importance of the American flag. As the daughter and sister of veterans, she has lived in eight states and Puerto Rico.

"Imagine being a child who must start over, finding your way and place as the new kid in school," Gillespie told the board. "As one of those children, the one staple that greeted me in every new classroom I entered was the American flag."

Gillespie remembered what it was like worrying that her father would be deployed during the Gulf War. She asked everybody to remember that some gave their lives to protect freedom.

"So many sadly take for granted the stars and stripes or the importance of having it featured within our classrooms," Gillespie said. "But that flag is the one and only symbol that unites us all and the freedoms that encompass us as Americans."

What's Next

The proposal had its first of three readings on Wednesday at the county's Board of Education meeting. The next reading is June 26.

A final vote is expected on July 12, but the date could change if there are amendments.

The proposal needs at least five votes to pass the eight-person school board.

Board Member Corine Frank, a Republican from County Council District 3, introduced the proposal to the policy committee and said it stemmed from constituents' concerns.

Multiple board members said almost every proposal advances out of the policy committee because that workgroup does not hold public hearings. By bringing policies to the board, officials ensure the public has a chance to comment on all proposals before they are voted on.

The public comment period will be open through June 24 at: aacpsschools.org/aacpsboardpolicies/view-comments

Board members and Superintendent Mark Bedell, who does not have a vote, said they will listen to public comments before deciding their stance on the issue.

Bedell said he aspires to create supportive school environments.

He also said it's his job to enforce every policy adopted by the board, so he will implement this policy just the same if it passes.

Wednesday's meeting is viewable at this link. The public testimony starts at 50:50 with Moore. Gillespie begins at 1:04:47. Board members share their thoughts around 2:07:14.

The full proposal is posted here.