Calif. Students Who Donned Anti-Gay Symbols Asked to Remove Them 'For Now'

By City News Service:

PALM DESERT, CA - Call it a First Amendment or civil-rights issue, but either way, debate was continuing Monday about a group of Shadow Hills High School students who have been wearing anti-gay symbols to school.

The students, who cut out pieces of paper depicting a red hash mark crossing through a rainbow, began wearing the symbols on their school identification cards earlier this month, according to Mary Perry, Desert Sands Unified School District public information officer.

“Three weeks ago, those students were brought into a discussion to find out about their intent, to make sure no aggressive behavior was planned,” Perry told City News Service. “Those students told us, ‘No.’ They weren’t planning on doing more than stating their beliefs. So, at that time we decided not to ask them to remove them.”

But after further review, Desert Sands Unified School District Gary Rutherford has asked the students to remove the symbol until the issue can be more fully investigated. Perry said the district has to ensure that it is protecting students’ right to freedom of speech, but also protecting other students from threats or bullying.

“We are going to use this as a learning moment,” Perry said.

Meanwhile, students at several other schools within the district have come out in support of the LGBT community, wearing their own badges with rainbow-colored smiley faces, Perry said.

Rutherford issued a statement Monday, saying he wanted to assure parents and the community that the district “does not tolerate harassment or bullying of any kind.”

“We have clear policies against those types of actions and they will continue to be enforced,” he said. “That said, our schools are made up of many diverse communities with varied and sometimes conflicting points of view. The free expression of these views is protected, within certain limits, and it is in this context that I make my second point.

“I am confident that the administration at Shadow Hills High School has deeply thought about and engaged this issue in a professional way, seeking to protect and support all students. However, recently some information has been brought forward that requires additional investigation and follow-up to determine a proper course of action. Pending further investigation, we are going to ask students who are displaying the symbol showing a rainbow pattern with a circle and a line, at least for now, to remove symbols while at school.

“These issues are always difficult and we need to be respectful of the rights of all students and community members. In fact, this issue will surely give us an opportunity to look at some of the basic principles of how we relate to and engage with each other in a civil and supportive learning environment. We will stay engaged with the community on this issue. Please know that ensuring student well-being and safety is our most important concern.”

(Image via Shutterstock)