During the Whitehall-Coplay School Board committee meetings April 8, board members continued a discussion on the issue of flags in classrooms.

A few months ago, a teacher within the district had an LGBTQIA+ flag displayed in their classroom. A parent saw it hanging during an open house and was displeased by the flag’s placement, which prompted the board discussion about which flags can or cannot be displayed in classrooms.

Treasurer George Williams said he sent an email to all board members recommending the policy stay as it is currently written and that the schools continue to monitor what’s being displayed in classrooms in the same manner that they have been.

“Certainly, we respect the concerns that were brought forward in the January board meeting, and it was a good opportunity for us to ensure American flags were in all classrooms, which we now have done,” Williams said.

Williams said he feels that each building in the district has done a good job of monitoring what each room is utilizing in their classroom.

“I’m confident that if we continue monitoring that we will continue to be a school that is inviting and supportive to our students,” Williams added.

That was met with some pushback from board member Fady Salloum.

“So, in other words we can put anything we want in any classroom?” Salloum asked. “Whatever floats your boat? Whatever you like? Whatever color of the rainbow you can put up? That’s what you’re saying.”

Williams responded that he believed people know what’s right and what’s wrong.

“What’s your right, and what’s my wrong?” Salloum asked.

Board member Nicole Hartman said she feels it is within the teachers’ authority to decorate their classrooms how they want as educated professionals.

Board member Seth Kubat responded that he believed there is a fine line between decoration and a representation of somebody’s personal beliefs.

“I’m not saying we take away a teacher’s right to express themselves in their room with blank walls, but I think there’s a line of what should and shouldn’t belong in a classroom,” Kubat added.

The board plans to revisit this topic in the future.