Discussions held to ban Pride flag from Stonington classrooms

STONINGTON, CT (WFSB) - Stonington Public Schools have run into controversy after a discussion to ban Pride flags from classrooms was held.

It was unclear exactly why the Pride flags may be getting removed from classrooms, but superintendent Mary Anne Butler sent a statement to Channel 3 on Wednesday night:

The decision triggered outrage outside of Stonington.

Channel 3 spoke with one Norwich man who was very concerned by the potential move.

Dale Rodgers said he was lucky to come out to a loving, accepting family when he was young; but, not everyone has that.

He said the rainbow flag is a symbol of hope that many students need to see.

“It’s really important for that flag to be present, to know that everyone is safe within there and allow those kids the ability to connect with that teacher where they might not feel safe connecting with anyone else,” Rodgers said. “You get nervous. ‘Really this can’t be happening?’ For so long, it’s like, ‘Oh I live in Connecticut. I don’t need to worry about that,’ and then it boils back to, ‘Wait a minute? I do need to worry about that? It’s happening in my own community.’”

The school board said it plans to discuss the issue and take action on any recommendations.

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