Marblehead Policy Subcommittee: Proposed Flag Policy Discussion and Community Input

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Meeting Introduction and Purpose (Link: 00:00:00 – 00:07:00)

The Marblehead School Committee convened for a policy subcommittee meeting on the evening of February 26. Jennifer Schaeffner, Chair of the Marblehead School Committee, called the meeting to order at 7:01 PM. The meeting was live-streamed and recorded to ensure accessibility for those unable to attend in person. Schaeffner introduced herself and Vice Chair Alison Taylor, noting that they constitute the Policy Subcommittee. The meeting was structured as a hybrid event to accommodate both in-person and online participants. The primary focus of the meeting was to discuss the potential implementation of a flag policy within the Marblehead public school buildings. This initiative originated from a request by a principal who had received various requests from community members and students to display certain flags and banners in the high school. The town of Marblehead has a flag policy that excludes school buildings, necessitating a separate policy for the schools. Schaeffner emphasized that the purpose of the meeting was to listen to community input regarding the drafting of this policy.

Community Input on Flag Policy (Link: 00:07:00 – 00:10:00)

The meeting transitioned to public comments, with community members invited to share their thoughts. John Lee Whipple of 106 Atlantic Avenue expressed the importance of allowing minority groups to display flags as a means of feeling supported and welcomed. He suggested that the principal’s office could be the place where requests to display flags are made, emphasizing the role of schools in overcoming discrimination and prejudice.

Student Perspective and Petition (Link: 00:10:00 – 00:13:00)

Jack Manis, a student from 16 Illustrate, spoke on behalf of the students at Marblehead Veterans Middle School (MDMS). Manis highlighted that many students were unaware of the proposed flag policy and had not been given a chance to voice their opinions. He initiated an online petition, gathering over 60 signatures from students who expressed a desire for a forum at their school. Manis shared several student statements, emphasizing that the flag policy could restrict freedom of expression and that students should have a say in decisions that affect them.

Support for Proposed Flag Policy (Link: 00:13:00 – 00:20:00)

Louis May from Carol Way in Salem expressed the importance of the three words, black lives matter, being heard in Marblehead. Karen Tal-Makloff of 11 Trager Road voiced her support for the proposed flag policy, arguing that without clear guidelines, schools are left to make subjective decisions about which flags may be displayed. She emphasized the need for neutrality in public institutions and expressed concern over the inconsistency in responses to different flags. Tal-Makloff shared a personal experience of receiving an anonymous letter after expressing her views, highlighting the need for a policy that ensures schools remain places of education rather than political arenas.

Criticism of Policy Process (Link: 00:20:00 – 00:24:00)

Kate Schmeckpeper of 41 Chestnut St. criticized the process by which the flag policy was being developed. She noted the lack of urgency and clarity in drafting the policy, pointing out that the public was invited to comment without knowing which draft policy was under consideration. Schmeckpeper urged the subcommittee to consider a legally vetted draft policy presented by students, which addresses concerns while allowing school administrators and students to make decisions about symbolic speech within schools.

Online Community Feedback (Link: 00:24:00 – 00:33:00)

The meeting also included input from online participants. Meredith and Will from 28 Roosevelt Ave. expressed support for allowing students to debate issues and form opinions, emphasizing student-led initiatives in shaping the flag policy. Don Trisler highlighted the educational value of allowing students to express themselves through flags within schools, suggesting a limit on the number of flags displayed. Lori, identified as “iPhone8,” stressed the importance of flags as symbols of safety and inclusion for underrepresented students, urging the committee to consider the impact of the policy on community inclusivity. Lastly, Sarah Palladian of 23 Ida Road advocated for a return to displaying only the American flag, emphasizing the need to teach children self-acceptance without reliance on flags for identity.

Continued Community Input on Flag Policy (Link: 00:33:00 – 00:43:00)

Kira K. from Pickwick Road expressed concerns about the proposed flag policy, arguing that Massachusetts schools are known for fostering welcoming environments and that the policy could lead to repression and censorship. She questioned why the policy was being considered, suggesting it was prompted by an incident involving a parent unlawfully removing a banner from the high school. Kira emphasized the need to focus on student well-being and achievement rather than divisive issues. Ruth Albert, representing the Marblehead Pride Committee, urged the adoption of the Marblehead High School students’ proposed flag policy. She cited legal precedents and guidance from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and the protection of students’ First Amendment rights. Jessica Brown, also from the Pride Committee, highlighted the significance of symbols like the pride flag in creating a sense of belonging and safety for marginalized students.

Diverse Perspectives on Flag Policy (Link: 00:43:00 – 00:51:00)

Mary McCarriston shared her pride in the students of Marblehead and recounted her personal experiences with diversity and acceptance. She advocated for allowing students to display flags that make their peers feel comfortable and included. Bill Smalley from Eastern Prospect Street supported giving students a voice in deciding which flags and banners are displayed in their schools, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and acceptance. Renee Vermeer Skeeney from Beverly Ave in Marblehead argued against a complete ban on flags and banners, suggesting it would suppress students’ ability to express their sense of community. She advocated for thoughtful criteria developed by administrators, faculty, and students to determine which flags align with the school’s mission and values.

Parental and Community Concerns (Link: 00:51:00 – 01:05:00)

Angus McQuilkin, a parent from Tyres Lane, opposed the broad flag censorship policy, citing its potential negative impact on students and educational tools. He supported the student-proposed policy and called for a forum at the middle school to allow younger students to voice their opinions. Lena Robinson expressed concerns about the implications of endorsing specific flags and suggested limiting school-endorsed flags to those of the United States and Massachusetts. Jeanne Lambkin, speaking virtually, emphasized the importance of exposing students to diverse symbols and ideas to prepare them for the complexities of the world. She encouraged the committee to consider the developmental needs of students in crafting the flag policy.

Continued Community Input on Flag Policy (Link: 01:05:00 – 01:13:00)

James Cesarius, a community member, expressed his support for displaying flags such as the Pride flag and Black Lives Matter flag in schools. Cesarius shared his experiences at Boston College, highlighting the negative impact of not providing a supportive environment for marginalized students. He emphasized that the debate is not just about flags but about the kind of community and environment the school system is fostering. Cesarius urged the committee to consider the message being sent to students if such flags are banned. Edmond Robinson, a minister from the Unitarian Universalist congregation in Marblehead, shared his perspective as a former civil liberties lawyer. He referenced the Supreme Court decision in Shurtleff v. City of Boston, arguing that the case should not be used as a guideline for the flag policy. Robinson praised the town’s spirit and openness in discussing the issue. Rob Henry, board president of MassEquality, spoke about the importance of acknowledging the diverse community within the student body. He supported the student-proposed flag policy, emphasizing the need for educational spaces that provide mental safety and inclusivity. Henry highlighted the educational opportunity for students to engage in debates about what should be displayed in schools.

Questions and Clarifications on Flag Policy (Link: 01:13:00 – 01:19:00)

The meeting continued with questions from community members. One participant inquired about the history of flag displays in Marblehead schools, noting that typically only the American flag and POW/MIA flag are flown. Jennifer Schaeffner, Chair of the Marblehead School Committee, clarified that there is currently no official policy regarding flag displays in schools, aside from the requirement to display the U.S. flag in classrooms. Another question was raised about the possibility of creating separate policies for flagpoles and other areas within school buildings. Schaeffner acknowledged the suggestion and mentioned that it could be a question for legal counsel. The discussion also touched on the implications of telling teachers what they can display in classrooms, with concerns about potentially infringing on educational content.

Personal Experiences and Advocacy (Link: 01:19:00 – 01:28:00)

Holly Jaynes, a long-time advocate for LGBTQ rights, shared her personal experiences of not feeling safe growing up and the importance of symbols like the Pride flag in providing a sense of safety for marginalized students. Jaynes referenced the Trevor Project’s survey on LGBTQ youth suicide prevention, emphasizing the need for affirming spaces in schools. Ian Kingsbury, a Marblehead High School alumnus, expressed concerns about the politicization of schools through flag displays. He argued for focusing on first principles and the American flag, suggesting that displaying other flags could lead to polarization. Kingsbury proposed either displaying a diverse range of flags or none at all to maintain neutrality. Connor Kalovsky Maza, a science teacher at Marblehead High School, spoke about the importance of addressing students’ social and emotional needs. Kalovsky Maza emphasized that students’ identities are not political and that schools should be safe spaces for all students. He supported the student-proposed flag policy and highlighted the potential negative impact of removing inclusive symbols from schools.

Support for Student-Proposed Policy (Link: 01:29:00 – 01:34:00)

Rick Dodge shared a personal story about coming out as a gay student 50 years ago and the hardships faced by LGBTQ students. He supported the student-proposed flag policy, noting the involvement of legal experts from GLAD in its development. Justine, a retired educator, emphasized the importance of recognizing and respecting students’ voices. She highlighted the role of educators and parents in supporting students to become understanding and responsible individuals. A question was raised about the potential impact of displaying student-created art featuring flags, such as a Pride flag, in school hallways. The discussion underscored the broader implications of the flag policy on student expression and the educational environment.

Discussion on Flag and Banner Policy Implementation (Link: 01:34:00 – 01:39:00)

The Marblehead School Committee meeting continued with discussions on the implementation of a flag and banner policy. Jennifer Schaeffner, Chair of the Marblehead School Committee, addressed questions regarding the removal of student artwork or banners by unauthorized individuals. Schaeffner clarified that any such incidents would be managed by the school administration, as was the case with previous removals of the Black Lives Matter and Israeli flags. The administration is responsible for handling unauthorized removals, not the school committee. Jordan Karas Wheelwright, a parent, shared a statement emphasizing the importance of symbols of inclusion for marginalized students. Wheelwright, part of an LGBTQ family and a team at GLBTQ Legal Advocates and Defenders, criticized the proposed policy for potentially violating First Amendment rights and leaving the district open to lawsuits. Wheelwright advocated for the student-proposed policy, which allows administrators to decide on flag displays, aligning with legal precedents and ensuring student and teacher voices are considered.

Clarification on Student-Proposed Policy (Link: 01:39:00 – 01:45:00)

The meeting proceeded with clarifications on the student-proposed flag policy. Schaeffner read the draft policy into the record, which specifies that only flags with official legal status, such as the United States flag, Massachusetts state flag, POW/MIA flag, and the town of Marblehead flag, would be displayed on flagpoles. The policy allows school administrators to approve postings within school property, ensuring compliance with First Amendment rights. Questions arose regarding the role of students in the decision-making process. Schaeffner explained that while students can present requests, the final decision would rest with the administrators. The policy aims to give students a voice while maintaining administrative oversight.

Community Concerns and Opinions (Link: 01:45:00 – 01:51:00)

Nyla Dubois, a community member, expressed concerns about the potential bias in deciding which flags are displayed. Dubois argued that allowing a committee to choose flags could lead to biased decisions, potentially excluding certain viewpoints. Dubois emphasized the importance of individual opinions and questioned the necessity of ideological flags in schools, advocating for a focus on educational content. The discussion highlighted differing opinions on the impact of flag displays, with some community members feeling unwelcome due to opposing views on movements like Black Lives Matter. Dubois stressed the need for metrics and data to justify the presence of flags and questioned the existence of widespread discrimination in schools.

Personal Stories and Advocacy for Inclusivity (Link: 01:52:00 – 02:06:00)

The meeting continued with personal stories and advocacy for inclusivity. Karen Clark and her son Kieran both spoke emotionally in favor of the role of the pride and black lives matter flags in fostering a sense of inclusion for Marblehead students. Ben Vigoron, a Marblehead resident, shared his experiences growing up in the community and emphasized the importance of symbols like the Pride flag in providing a sense of belonging. Vigoron expressed pride in the students’ efforts to foster an inclusive environment and highlighted the need for respect for differing opinions. Jonathan Lederman, another community member, addressed the broader implications of flag displays, noting the potential for offense when political symbols are involved. He questioned whether any flag should be allowed or if administrators should decide, highlighting the complexity of balancing free expression with community sensibilities. He expressed concerns about the practicality of allowing administrators to decide which flags can be displayed, suggesting that such decisions could lead to disagreements and inconsistencies. Lederman highlighted the potential challenges of implementing a policy that is neither fully inclusive nor exclusive, suggesting that it could lead to complications.

Continued Discussion on Flag Policy and Symbolism (Link: 02:06:00 – 02:11:00)

The Marblehead School Committee meeting continued with discussions on the implications of the proposed flag policy. Ashley Skeffington, an English teacher at the high school, shared insights from her teaching experience, referencing Arthur Miller’s play “The Crucible” to illustrate the importance of symbolism and its impact on students. Skeffington emphasized that symbols like flags can convey messages of safety and tolerance, particularly for marginalized groups. She expressed concern that banning such symbols could negatively affect students’ sense of belonging and safety, urging the committee to consider the broader implications of their decision.

Diverse Perspectives on Free Speech and Inclusivity (Link: 02:12:00 – 02:19:00)

The meeting continued with a focus on free speech and inclusivity. John DiPiano raised concerns about the potential for bias in deciding which flags are displayed, questioning whether the same support would be given to flags representing conservative viewpoints. The speaker emphasized the importance of teaching students about free speech while ensuring that no group feels marginalized or unsafe. Karen McMenemy shared her experience as a parent and her journey to understand the school committee’s policies. She highlighted the importance of the committee’s role in representing community desires and ensuring that policies align with educational goals. She also expressed support for the student-proposed flag policy, emphasizing the need for the committee to consider the voices of students and community members in their decision-making process.

Student Advocacy and Closing Remarks (Link: 02:20:00 – 02:24:00)

The meeting concluded with remarks from Jack Manis, a student who had previously spoken about the importance of allowing students to choose which flags are displayed. Manis reiterated the significance of student choice and the potential impact of the proposed flag ban on their freedom of expression. He emphasized the importance of progressing towards inclusivity and understanding, even if the process is complex. Jennifer Schaeffner, Chair of the Marblehead School Committee, thanked all participants for their input and acknowledged the strong feelings and passion surrounding the issue. She noted that the policy subcommittee would continue to deliberate on the matter and encouraged community members to submit their thoughts via email. Schaeffner emphasized the importance of considering all perspectives as the committee works towards a decision.

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