Hastings School Board considering policy that could affect Pride, other displays in school buildings

There’s a debate in Hastings over what can be displayed in schools.

Community members weighed in Wednesday on a proposed restriction on non-school-sponsored materials, which could include pride flags and other symbols.

A group gathered outside of Hastings Middle School ahead of the School Board meeting, protesting the proposed change.

“This is essentially a rainbow ban among many other things,” said Jessie Nowak, a graduate and parent in the district. “The changes that they are making to this policy are not only detrimental to student safety, it’s micromanaging of teacher and staff and it’s opening up this district to potential lawsuits.”

The tentative policy is called 505 Distribution, Posting, and Display of Materials on School District Property. It states, “The purpose of this policy is to protect the free speech rights of students and employees while preser...