Courtesy: KVRR
DETROIT LAKES, Minn. — Things got heated at Monday’s school board meeting in Detroit Lakes as the debate over some teachers using rainbow stickers to let LGTQ+ students know that their classroom is a safe space continues.
Residents packed the Detroit Lakes School Board meeting Monday, Aug. 24, to sound off on a directive that bans teachers from using rainbow stickers to let students know their classroom is safe for LGBTQ students.
Nineteen people spoke at the meeting with the majority disagreeing with the board’s decision. Five additional speakers were turned away, due to time constraints.
“Me, my children, homeschoolers, and many others, believe it’s all distractions from learning basics in a neutral environment,” said Richard Anderson.
“You may view a rainbow as political. A student may view that same, small symbol as reassurance that the adult in that room will treat them with dignity,” said Pam Daly. “Those are not equivalent stakes.”
Many against the rule, including some board members, say that they were not given notice the issue would be added to the agenda during the meeting last month.
“I know that if we had 24 hours prior to last month’s meeting, the room probably would have looked like this, or very similar,” said board member Julie Smith-Yliniemi. “And so, I think it’s just a good idea, and good practice, to be able to do that.”
The crowd was often heard cheering speakers, or booing board members as they made their case. Emotions were also high with some board members.
“I know you feel that some things happened that weren’t that way, but I just have to tell you, from the bottom of my heart, that that is not the case. And we will continue to build your trust,” said board member Sanford Nelson.
“What is the case? You brought this up last month, that is the case?” Smith-Yliniemi replied. “You were not being transparent; you weren’t being honest with us. So, you can’t sit there and say that in one breath and then do something else. Tell the truth.”
A motion to postpone implementing the directive was ultimately defeated after a heated discussion.
While the motion failed to pass, it will be examined by school district attorneys to determine the rule’s final wording.
Board member Julie Smith-Yliniemi says she plans on continuing to work to make sure LGBTQ+ students in the district feel safe.
“I feel, as a school board, we can do better than what we have, and (I’m) just urging the community that there are elections in November, and so get to know the candidates that are running. And this isn’t the end,” Smith-Yliniemi said.
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