In Denver, an elementary school is facing backlash for displaying LGBTQIA+ pride flags but refusing to include flags representing heterosexual pride. In response, a parent of two children in the school system is suing the school, claiming that the refusal is a violation of free speech.
The parent, Nathan Feldman, is taking legal action against the school’s policy, asserting that while it supports employees’ right to display pride flags, it “does not allow for other flags,” as stated in the lawsuit.
The lawsuit includes a photo of a rainbow flag outside a classroom door at Slavens Elementary School. Alongside it is an image of a “straight pride” flag, requested by Feldman to be displayed beside the pride flag outside the classroom.
When the school refused, Feldman claimed it was discriminatory and a violation of his kids’ free speech.
Feldman said that he is not asking for the pride flags to be removed, but rather for the school to include flags that represent other viewpoints.
When Feldman emailed the school district, requesting to include the straight pride flag, he said that Principal Kurt Siebold pointed to the teachers’ rights to display pride flags since those symbols are “consistent with the district’s equity-based curriculum.”
“While a debate rages on the very nature of human identity throughout the United States, Denver Public Schools is not entitled to pick which side its on,” the lawsuit states. “As a public entity tasked with educating children, it is of the utmost importance that it adheres to the Constitution guarantees of free speech and expression.”
The lawsuit continues on to say, “DPS policy does not allow students or staff to speak or express support for students or staff who are not members of the LGBTQIA+ community or who otherwise hold views that differ from the District’s favored viewpoint.”
The school district told The Denver Post that it has not been served the lawsuit as of Monday, Dec. 4, but even if it had, the district cannot comment on pending litigation.
Feldman is seeking $3 million and a change to school policy to allow for both flags to be displayed outside his child’s classroom.
