Arrowhead Union High School District votes to ban 'safe space' signs in schools

HARTLAND, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A school district has voted to ban 'safe space' signs and flags in schools.

Arrowhead Union High School District debated the new policy on July 12 -- following a passionate, and at times 'heated discussion'.

Parents on both sides talked directly with district leaders at a forum before the board meeting.

Some argue the signs tell students -- especially LGBTQ+ students -- that they are welcome, and they have a place to go if they are being bullied.

But others say the entire school should be a safe space, arguing the policy is meant to take away what they call 'divisive imagery'.

"It's not a matter of targeting, I think that the policy is an encompassing policy that basically is an umbrella," said one. "If you're trying to write a policy as you stated on the day-to-day life of the students, shouldn't you get the input of the students and the staff?"

Along with signs, the policy will ban flags, stickers and other displays that have to do with race, ideology, sexual orientation, gender preference or political affiliations.

The board will meet in two weeks to discuss how to implement the policy.