Lindsey Lapointe

I strongly oppose HB 1132 and HB 1412. HB 1132 unnecessarily restricts what public and charter schools may display by limiting flags to only the U.S. flag, the New Hampshire state flag, and the POW/MIA flag. While framed as neutrality, this bill would effectively ban other commonly displayed flags, most notably Pride flags, that many schools use to signal inclusion, safety, and belonging for students. Schools are not merely buildings; they are communities. Visual symbols like Pride flags do not indoctrinate students or distract from learning. They communicate to LGBTQ+ students and families that they are seen, respected, and safe. Removing these symbols sends the opposite message—that some students’ identities are unwelcome or inappropriate for public acknowledgment. The complaint and penalty structure in HB 1132 is particularly concerning. It invites politicized enforcement, encourages community conflict, and places educators and administrators at risk of punishment for fostering inclusive environments. This will not improve education outcomes; it will chill speech, harm school climate, and increase fear among vulnerable students. HB 1412, while focused on mandating the display of U.S. and NH flags, further reinforces a troubling trend of legislative micromanagement of schools. Decisions about classroom and school environments are best left to local educators and communities—not dictated by the state through rigid mandates and size requirements. New Hampshire schools should be focused on student learning, mental health, and safety, not policing symbols or responding to ideologically motivated complaints. These bills do not solve a real problem, but they do create new ones. I urge legislators to reject HB 1132 and HB 1412 and instead support policies that respect local control, protect students, and allow schools to remain welcoming environments for all.