Arrowhead 'safe space' sign ban pushed to full school board for a vote

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A proposed policy to ban inclusive signs at Arrowhead High School will go to a vote.

The policy committee met Tuesday morning to discuss the controversial proposal and decided to send it to the full school board for a vote.

Students and families told CBS 58 they're frustrated.

"It was unacceptable," said soon-to-be sophomore Cat Cummings. "They left a motion on the table to postpone, which I think is really interesting," 

Introduced earlier this month, the proposal in question would ban signs or other wording implying a certain area is a "safe space." According to the draft proposal, the argument is that all areas of Arrowhead High School should be considered safe spaces.

"I have to say I'm frustrated and disappointed," said parent John Norcross.

The draft policy would also ban displays like Pride rainbow flags and Black Lives Matter signs.

"If the board is not going to listen, my main feeling is frustration. It's frustrating when the majority of the community is saying, 'don't do this,'" said Ben Sobczak.

Those against the policy believe it will negatively impact students, particularly those of the LGBTQ community.

"This policy, it went through some revisions. They're only just now speaking to legal counsel. None of the students, none of the parents here have ever been consulted and we're very disappointed because we believe that this is targeting specifically safe space stickers and Pride flags. It's very targeted in that regard and it's not good," said Norcross.

Those in favor of the proposed ban say they take issue with any signage that singles out specific students rather than focusing on creating a safe environment for all students.

Students against the policy change say they just want the district to take their input into consideration.

"We started a petition, a fellow student and I, where 320 people have already signed this petition, and I think it's important that you recognize that," said Cummings.

The policy committee will now move the issue to the full school board for a vote.

That meeting will take place on July 12.