Sarah Piana

I believe that schools should be a safe and welcoming place for all students from all walks of life. Marginalizing one group and banning representation of them will not erase them but will only further “other” them while we as a country should be pulling together - not excluding people. If one flag gets banned should we then ban showing the flags of all other countries whether it be in foreign language classes, history classes or in any other situation? Consider walking into a high school where the flags that represent where all students have come from hang, such as in Nashua. What about a foreign language classroom in a middle school that has the flags of all French speaking nations hanging around the room. A flag is a representation not a threat. A pride flag is not that of indoctrination but rather inclusion. Forcing the removal of the symbol would further restrict educators from providing safe and welcoming places where all students feel safe to take chances ago academically and grow into strong responsible and accepting adult adults. As a parent and as an educator, with significant time in the field, I can assure you that symbols of inclusion within my room or in classrooms that I have visited have done nothing but provide support and encouragement for students. It is with respect and gratitude for your public servants that I strongly ask you to oppose this bill in any subsequent bills that would limit freedom of speech, expression, and inclusion of all.