The Redlands school board on Tuesday, Jan. 14, will discuss a proposed policy to ban flags other than the U.S. and California flags and a potential change in district policy on school-sponsored events. The policy states that it will “guide” the selection of school-sponsored events and celebrations and that the Redlands Unified School District will not sponsor, endorse or facilitate any event that “promotes political, social or ideological movements.” Under the policy, district employees and volunteers would be prohibited from promoting or recognizing events “that center on advocacy of political or social agendas, activism or ideological and highly controversial positions,” while representing the district on campus or on social media.  Any flag — including posters, digital displays, flyers and related displays — other than the American flag, California flag or military flags would be prohibited unless approved by the superintendent for educational purposes. In other Inland Empire school districts, such rules have been criticized by some as efforts to outlaw the pride flag. “This policy serves to protect children from ideological and politically divisive observances and practices,” the proposed Redlands policy states. “The intent of this board is to maintain a non-exclusionary and welcoming environment for students, staff and parents.” View this document on Scribd The policy was proposed by new board member Candy Olson, who represents Trustee Area 5. Olson was one of three candidates supported by Awaken Redlands, which describes itself as “a non-partisan group of parents and community members focused on preserving traditional values in our city and schools.” Olson was also endorsed by the Inland Empire Family PAC, a Temecula-based conservative Christian political group that supported candidates that created a conservative majority in 2022 on the Temecula school board. “I am very excited to move forward in creating politically neutral classrooms, where all families and students feel welcome and their values respected,” Olson said in a Monday, Jan. 13, email. “I aim to end the division and culture wars — instead focus on improving academics, which is why the kids are there in the first place. The beautiful thing about the American Flag is that it unites us all. Focusing on our unity, while respecting each other’s differences, will be the most productive way to bring cohesiveness and a sense of belonging for everyone.” Olson said the purpose behind the policy is to keep schools politically neutral — especially in regards to political, social and religious beliefs. Such a situation would allow parents to raise their kids with their own values, she said. “This doesn’t mean staff are prohibited from discussing or teaching on controversial issues, but they need to follow our policy already in place when doing so — presenting both sides of any hot topic or issue that the teacher believes may be viewed as controversial,” Olson said. Together for Redlands, a social media-based community group, has called on community members to reach out to the district asking them to not adopt the policy. In a Saturday, Jan. 11, Instagram post the group said the policy would limit free speech. “It is purposefully vague and written so they can dictate what they see as ‘ideological,’” the post said. The group also states that the policy would limit holidays to ones with which the board agrees and would ultimately censor teachers and staff members. If the board approves the flag policy, it would follow other school boards and cities throughout the Inland Empire. Related Articles Education | Former San Jacinto Councilmember Brian Hawkins acquitted in child cruelty case Education | Moose Lodge in Mentone destroyed by fire Education | How the Rialto City Council filled its open seat Education | San Jacinto council chooses new mayor under former nomination process Education | Lake Elsinore’s new city hall is under construction next door In May 2023, the Redlands City Council voted to not fly the Pride Flag during Pride Month which takes place in June. The council rejected a proposal that would have amended the city’s existing flag policy, which allowed for displaying the U.S. flag, state and local flags, and others such as the POW/MIA flag. The Riverside City Council in September 2024 made a similar decision, reversing a previous decision allowing commemorative flags such as the pride flag to fly over City Hall. The Chino Valley Unified School District board passed a flag ban policy in June 2023, followed by the Temecula Valley Unified School District board, which approved rules that mirrored Chino Valley’s in September 2023. Both boards passed policies barring flags other than the United States and California flags from classrooms. The Temecula school board rescinded its policy Dec. 17 in a 5-0 closed session vote after a ruling from the California Public Employment Relations Board that the policy violated the state Educational Employment Relations Act. The Redlands school board meeting is at 6 p.m. at the district office, 25 W. Lugonia Ave.