Ban the Flag Ban

In June, the Carroll County school board voted to prohibit any "flags or banners" (except the current U.S. flag or various other state flags) from being "flown, posted, or affixed" to "fencing, walls, doors," desks, or other surfaces in school buildings or facilities. Why? Because of community opposition to displaying the Pride flag.

We at FIRE — a national nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that works to defend freedom of expression — are concerned that the prohibition violates the First Amendment rights of students and community members. It could reach:

• A student putting a flag — whether a Pride flag, a Ukraine flag, a historic American flag, or a POW-MIA flag — on display inside of their locker, or inside of their desk
• A student club or community organization putting a flag in a window, doorway, or wall temporarily during meetings
• A student or teacher posting a flyer on a community bulletin board with a depiction of a flag.

If you’re a student, teacher, or community member who might be impacted by this policy, FIRE would like to talk to you. We’re looking to challenge the ban by bringing a challenge — with free legal representation — on First Amendment grounds.

If you’re open to talking about it, please contact us using the form below. Even if that’s not you, please share this website with others who might be interested.

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How does the ban affect you?

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