Two California school districts ban the LGBT flag

Two California school districts have passed a policy to limit what flags can be flown on school property. Primarily, the measure states that flags other than those authorized by schools, such as the LGBT flag, shall not be displayed. The measure was taken in districts in the Southern California city of Temecula and the small Bay Area town of Sunol.

In Temecula, the policy states that no flag other than that of the United States or the state may be used. The only exceptions are for the flag of a country, state or the military of the United States used for educational purposes only. The Mercury News explained that, in Sunol's case, the LGBT pride flag was specifically banned.

"No flag other than the United States of America and State of California may be displayed on school grounds, including classrooms, unless it is a country, state, or United States military flag used solely for educational purposes within the adopted curriculum," read the decision of the Temecula School Board that was obtained by the Mercury News.

'The intent of this regulation is to maintain a safe and orderly workplace'

The Temecula Valley Unified School District board proposal passed 3-2. The board maintained that the decision does not go against freedom of expression, but aims to maintain a safe and orderly workplace.

"It is not the intent of the Board of Education to deprive any person of his or her right to freedom of expression. The intent of this regulation is to maintain a safe and orderly workplace for teachers, students, administrators, staff, parents/guardians and other members of the community," the Temecula board's decision detailed.