Petition calls for removal of LGBT flag from school, makes comparison to Confederate flag
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Parents at an Alabama high school have reportedly started an online petition asking for the removal of an LGBT Pride rainbow flag that is displayed outside a teacher’s classroom.
The argument is that the flag at Auburn High School “creates a hostile and provocative learning environment for students not comfortable to openly supporting LGBTQ+ community in a public school where students come from diverse political and religious backgrounds.”
The petition, which has 810 signatures, reportedly reads, “Consider the uproar and chaos that would ensue were a teacher to hang for example a Confederate, Christian or Heterosexual Flag in their classroom.” The Observer pointed out that it is unclear what “Heterosexual flag” is referring to.
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The teacher that has the flag on display reportedly moderates the EDUCATE club, which focuses on and promotes diversity.
Dr. Karen DeLano, superintendent of the Auburn school system, said in a statement that the matter is being handled internally.
“It is my sincere desire to assist our students in learning to address their opinions and their values in a calm and respectful manner,” she said, according to the Observer.
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A counter petition supports the teacher’s decision to display the flag. That petition appears to be more popular, and has 6,700 signatures.