School Board Split On Discrimination Policies

Separate policy banning Pride flags in classrooms adopted

By The Smithfield Weekly Sun

SMITHFIELD – With one member absent, the Johnston County Board of Education on Tuesday voted 3-3 on a motion to remove all references to sexual orientation and gender identity from its policies addressing discrimination. That means the policies stand as written, at least for now.

On a separate vote, the board voted 4-2 to adopt new policy wording critics contend is directed against the display of LGBTQ+ Pride flags in Johnston’s public schools.

Kay Carroll and April Lee cast the two votes against the revised classroom display rule; Board Chair Lyn Andrews, Michelle Antoine, Jeff Sullivan, and Terry Tippett voted in favor of the new rule, which states:

Principals and teachers shall limit displays in the classrooms, school buildings, ball fields, school grounds, and buses, such as signs and flags, to materials that represent the United States, the state of North Carolina, Johnston County, the school name, mascot, post-secondary institutions, school-sponsored events, sponsorships, military flags, family photos, student art and/or the approved curriculum.

Absent from Tuesday’s meeting was Kevin Donovan, chairman of the board’s Policy Committee which recommended that change as well as the other revisions regarding discrimination. Board Chair Andrews said he was “out of town on business.”

Mr. Sullivan joined Mr. Carroll and Ms. Lee in opposing removal of specific references in several policies to race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, socioeconomic status, academic status, gender identity, physical appearance, sexual orientation, and mental, physical, or sensory disability – replacing such lists with the phrase “unlawful discrimination” followed by an Internet hyperlink to state law that lists similar defining characteristics.

“There’s no need to bury the protected classes with a hyperlink,” Ms. Lee exclaimed. “Either we are going to stand with people, or we are not.”

Mr. Carroll said the wording of the schools’ current policies against discrimination should be left alone “until such time as federal law changes.”

Ms. Antoine insisted the changes are needed now because of President Trump’s threat to cut federal funding to school systems that don’t remove references to sexual orientation.

Board Chair Andrews defended the revisions coming from the board’s Policy Committee on which she serves. “This was simply meant to try to be inclusive,” she said. “The idea was that all students would be protected.”

She concluded with a declaration that “every child is safe in every classroom – every classroom. We’re not going to stand for anything else.”

Mr. Carroll also took the lead in opposing the new policy restricting displays of flags and signs and other materials. “It’s a knee-jerk reaction to a Pride flag,” he said, and runs counter to the board’s commitment to a school system “that makes all of our students feel welcome, comfortable, safe.”

Apparently referring to displays of the Pride flag in Johnston’s schools, Ms. Antoine said “people are complaining, which is what drove the policy” adopted Tuesday.

Mr. Carroll predicted the new policy restricting classroom displays “will end up causing us more trouble than you can shake a stick at.”

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69 Comments

  1. What part of state mandated curriculum does flying a rainbow flag or any other political statement address? The answer is none. Nothing should be allowed in the classroom that doesn’t specifically address state mandated curriculum. Nothing should be taught that isn’t required by the state . Public schools are failing because of ideological teaching rather than what Is Twitter. Gutless board of education.

    • Required… not “twitter”. Not sure how swipe to text got Twitter from Required.

    • Interesting Thomas Payne. You state that you are against ideological teaching, but what you advocate is ideologically driven. It appears that you are quite confused.

    • @Thomas: You need to review SCOS-012 — the official curriculum policy of the NC BOE. There are MULTIPLE policies that fall under Social Studies (such as §115C-81.60) and Biology (such as LS.Bio.6) just to name a few!

      As Carroll said (and I can’t believe I’m agreeing with him), policies like this are far too broad. There’s a HUGE difference between what’s acceptable for a kindergarten class and a college-level biology class.

      But the REAL problem is that we even have a group of politicians deciding what to teach our children. EVERY parent should be homeschooling their children. If not, you’re just adding to the problem. Until we end the SOCIALIST public school programs, we’ll never get ahead. #MAGA

      • I am well aware of the standard course of study in those content areas. None of them require lgbtq flags or any other political symbology. They should not be allowed in the classroom.

        • @Thomas: I don’t think you are. There are specific lessons on the Stonewall Riots, the GLF/GLA role within the Civil Rights Movement, and the assassination of Milk, for example.

          While the sheep are hyperfocused on a rainbow flag, the REAL motive of the GOVERNMENT goes right over their heads!!!!

          • None of which require any flag, slogan, sign or other material to be presented in the classroom. Even if it did, it should come down after the objective has been taught. Personal opinions of teachers should never be promoted in the classroom. Ever. They are hired by the local boe and the state to teach state mandated curriculum.

  2. What a poor decision on the part of the Board. It appears that the members are more concerned about retaliation and appearance rather than defending free speech and a safe place for all to learn. Rather than promote inclusiveness the board’s vote promotes division and ignorance.

    • There’s no free speech as a teacher. Teachers jobs are to teach state mandated curriculum and that’s all. Political, personal ,religious beliefs or personal ideology should not be presented to students. Public schools are losing the trust of people for this very reason.

  3. If religion isn’t accepted, why should cult flags? If you can’t opt out of classes with instructors expressing offensive issues, the teacher must comply.

    • If anything is a cult, it’s religion, weirdo. You can choose a religion, you can’t choose how you’re born.

      • You can choose behavior. Funny, when it’s convenient for libs they talk about how children are born out of one side of their mouth and then talk about how children don’t have a right to be born out of the other. Typical hypocrites.

  4. Since every child is safe and the classrooms are inclusive AND art work from students can be displayed does that mean if a student draws a flag with a rainbow on it, as a teacher I would be allowed to display it under this policy. BTW I’m a huge advocate of malicious compliance.

  5. No pride flags should be allowed. Period. By trying to make some feel included and safe it also makes others no feel safe. Political ideology doesn’t belong in the classroom. State and national flags only!

    • How does a pride flag make someone feel unsafe? I drive around our county and see the confederate flag in mutiple places daily. At least the pride flag has innocent meanings and equality. Unlike the confederate flag I’m sure is going to be defended.

      • The pride flag is does not have innocent meaning and equality. It has become political.

        • It was became political once the government decided to start deciding who’s allowed to love who…

          • Grammar tip of the day: it’s ‘who’s allowed to love whom’ — but don’t worry, love doesn’t usually care about grammar rules. Love is love.

    • If the pride flag makes you feel unsafe then that says a lot more about you than the person displaying the flag. It’s hard to believe that in 2025 people still get offended by a rainbow flag.

      • Unsafe……not a chance. Discriminated against definitely. Imagine if a teacher had a flag or other personal beliefs displayed that you were against …say the Marine corp flag or an Israel flag.. You’d be the first in line to complain to the board. A teachers personal beliefs on any subject is not part of state mandated curriculum and should never be presented in the classroom.

    • I’m sorry pride flags are scary to you. Tell me about your experiences. Talking about it can help. I can assure you that flag is non-political and it cannot harm you unless a strong gust of wind blows down a flag pole that lands on top of you….kind of like that movie where that house that fell on that witch…..that would be horrible.

    • Now you have hit a nerve. If white folks wanted to fly a rebel flag or a flag that said White Pride. People would absolutely lose their minds. There is such a double standard when it comes to this country and treating everyone the same. (And I do not mean those jumping or crawling under the wall)

  7. The Joco board is trash anyways, no clue why these people keep getting elected. they are saying one thing then get in there and turn into libtards overnight and are ruining the local schools. Homeschool is the best option folks.

  9. I believe that topics related to sexuality—regardless of orientation—should not be part of the standard classroom curriculum. The primary focus in schools should be on core academic subjects like Math, English, Science, and History. Discussions about sex or sexual identity should be left to parents or guardians to address at home, based on their values and the maturity of their children.

    This viewpoint isn’t intended as an attack on the LGBTQ+ community or any other group. Rather, it’s about ensuring that education stays centered on helping children develop the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in life. Let’s focus on giving our kids the tools to thrive academically and professionally, while leaving more personal or sensitive topics to be addressed in the appropriate setting and time

    • I think women should make their own decisions about their own healthcare, especially when and if they decide to start a family. I’m sure their parents gave them all the tools to succeed in life, and these personal and sensitive decisions are best made between a woman and her doctor—not in a classroom, not by strangers, and certainly not by politicians.

      That’s the same respect we should extend to LGBTQ+ youth. If we trust parents to raise thoughtful, responsible children, then those children should be allowed to see themselves reflected in the world around them—including in their schools. Visibility isn’t instruction. Inclusion isn’t indoctrination. It’s just saying, “You belong.”

      • Everyone should have the right to make their own decisions when it comes to healthcare. What I take issue with is taxpayer money being used to fund services or procedures that many of us may not personally support. I’m responsible for my own healthcare expenses, so I don’t see why I should be required to pay for someone else’s. If a woman chooses to have an abortion, that is her decision—but as an elective procedure, it shouldn’t be funded by public dollars.

        When it comes to parenting, it’s not the role of schools or the government to raise our children. That responsibility lies with the parents. If a parent chooses not to expose their child to certain topics, that decision should be respected. At the end of the day, people would get along a lot better if they simply focused on their own lives and respected others’ boundaries

  10. The school board’s 4–2 vote to ban certain displays, clearly aimed at Pride flags, isn’t about fairness or neutrality. It’s about making LGBTQ+ students invisible. A rainbow flag doesn’t cause harm. It simply says, You are welcome here. And for many students, it’s the first sign that they’re not alone.

    Even more alarming is the board’s attempt to erase specific references to sexual orientation and gender identity from its anti-discrimination policies. Replacing clear protections with a vague link to legal code is not inclusive, it’s evasive. Saying “we protect everyone” while refusing to name the most vulnerable is how people get left behind.

    We know what happens when support is erased. A student is mocked or harassed. And too often, it is the victim, not the bully, who gets quietly moved. The message becomes: If your identity causes discomfort, you’re the one who has to go.

    If Pride flags aren’t allowed in school, then bullies shouldn’t be either.
    Anyone who makes another student feel less than should be counseled. Repeated violations should result in expulsion. A safe school doesn’t silence support, it stops harm.

    And let’s not pretend this started locally. This culture war, targeting LGBTQ+ students, books, teachers, and symbols, wasn’t born in Johnston County. It was engineered, first by Donald Trump, and more dangerously by Stephen Miller, his longtime advisor and ideological enforcer.

    Trump spent most of his life as a Democrat. He openly supported gay rights and chased power, not principle. When he decided to enter politics, he picked Republicans because he believed they’d be easy to manipulate. And he was right.

    But Trump never had a real problem with gay people, until Stephen Miller came along. Miller, a vile man who is obsessed with shaping a narrow and authoritarian version of America, radicalized Trump’s agenda. He’s been consumed by this vision since his high school years. He helped turn basic decency into a wedge issue. And some of you jumped on that bandwagon, not because it’s right, but because fear made it easy.

    This is what happens when language itself is twisted. Inclusion becomes exclusion. Freedom becomes the freedom to discriminate. Parental rights become a tool to erase student voices. It’s like being handed a compass that’s been deliberately broken. The needle still moves, but it points away from truth. If you follow it long enough, you don’t just get lost, you lead others into danger.

    Board member April Lee said it best: “Either we are going to stand with people, or we are not.”

    Right now, Johnston County is not standing with its LGBTQ+ students.

    But some of us are. And the country is watching.

    And to be absolutely clear: The gays aren’t going anywhere. You can’t silence us. We are here. We have always been here. And we will remain, on the front lines, speaking out for every kid and every adult who is marginalized, erased, or told they don’t belong.

    That’s what the gay flag is all about.

    • It is not appropriate for a teacher to display their personal beliefs to students. You would not want a teacher wearing a “ make America great again” shirt or a flag of Hamas ( maybe you would) or a flag with a swastika ( or maybe you would). This is about teachers teaching curriculum and teaching kids how to think… not what to think. The real reason you’re upset is because your propaganda can’t be displayed so you can’t recruit new members.

      • While a Pride flag in classrooms might seem like a simple gesture of inclusion, I do not think it’s appropriate in Johnston County, but not for the reasons some of you have stated. I understand that the Pride flag is controversial here, and I don’t think classrooms should be politicized or filled with distractions, especially at the expense of younger children. Children should not be put in the middle of this issue. I also understand that this is a very conservative county where topics like sexual orientation, identity, and even basic sex education are often treated as taboo. Children are more sheltered now, and many parents insist they should control when and how these topics are discussed.

        There was a time when schools, and the teachers, principals, and staff who kept them running, were trusted and respected. In the 1970s and 80s, schools played a huge role in the care of children. Most households needed two incomes unless they were wealthy. That meant teachers were more than educators. They were caretakers, mentors, and even disciplinarians. If a kid misbehaved and got sent home with a note, there were consequences. A trip to the principal’s office might mean a phone call to a parent, usually the mom, at work — or even a paddling. You didn’t want either of those. Teachers and principals had authority, and parents backed them up.

        This was all considered a normal part of public education.

        Public schools serve a wide and diverse community. We live in a country where not everyone looks the same, loves the same, or believes the same and representation. It is the job of public schools to prepare kids for the real world, and these topics should be addressed thoughtfully as part of the curriculum — perhaps in history or any other appropriate class. If you don’t agree there are alternatives.

  11. Folks these votes are planned before they ever get to the boardroom that’s just how it works. Our liberal progressive have saved our pride flag from being removed from the class room by one member being absent and to make it look as a draw so they can save their board seat in the next election! JUST HOW IT WORKS FOLKS!!!

  13. Pride Flags
    MAGA Flags
    Trump Flags
    Hate Flags
    Christian Flags
    etc,etc,etc
    Including attire
    Should be banned from schools there’s no curriculum that needs them.

    • EXACTLY! You know darn well if a teacher had a Maga flag a parent would complain and it would be taken down…..or the admin would complain. Focus on teaching how to think…not what to think.

    • Hard disagree. That flag symbolizes genocide to students of Native American descent.

      • Lunatic. I will personally buy you a one way plane ticket to the country of your choosing as long as you stay in that country for 35 years. Maybe you can move next to Rosie O’Donnell.

        • Which of the stars on the American flag represents land stolen from Native Americans? Better question: which stars on the flag represent the murder of countless indigenous Hawaiians?

      • What about the Babylonians and Mesopotamian people who enslaved people? Do we take land back from them too? What about the Incan tribes that murdered people and took territory? Who do we give that land back to? Learn your ancient world history…people have been on Earth a very long time, doing very, very horrible things. Long before America. Hate the sins of man, not the ancestors of man who had nothing to do with those sins.

        • So we should be allowed to fly the Mesopotamian flags in classes, then. Maybe we should also fly the Incan flag. Also, sin is a religious concept, not a political one.

          • You missed the point bud. There is no “stolen land” was the point. Land has been conquered over and over again and that won’t stop as long as mankind walks on it. You won’t stop it and neither will your pretty rainbow flag. I vote only the American and NC flag should fly.

  15. I also agree that the only flags that belong in a classroom is the US and NC flags. Period!!! If you personally want to display a different flag at your personal residents then that’s your choice. Everyone needs to stop the Whoa is me agenda.

  16. The American Flag “includes” ALL Americans. The pride flag “excludes” those of the non-heterosexual community. Therefore, any flag that does not “include” ALL should not be in any taxpayer-funded entity. Period.

    • The Pride flag is a symbol of visibility, dignity, and inclusion, not just for LGBTQ+ individuals, but for everyone who believes in equality and respect. It represents a broad and diverse community that includes gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and straight allies alike. Organizations like PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) and SAGE (Advocacy & Services for LGBTQ+ Elders) show that support extends beyond identity — it includes family, friends, and advocates from all walks of life. There are also organizations like GLSEN, which promotes safe and inclusive schools, and The Trevor Project, which provides crisis support for LGBTQ+ youth. Many faith communities and churches across the country are fully inclusive, embracing LGBTQ+ people as equals and affirming their place in the spiritual community.

      There are LGBTQ centers in all major cities that offer a wide array of services, including free HIV/STI testing, youth mentorship programs, mental health counseling, housing assistance, job readiness training, and legal aid. These centers are lifelines for countless individuals, a place to feel seen, supported, and connected.

      We have a strong, compassionate community. We stand for causes like The Susan G. Komen Foundation, one of the most well-known nonprofit organizations dedicated to ending breast cancer. Founded in 1982, it focuses on education, research, advocacy, and direct support for individuals affected by breast cancer. The Komen Foundation fights breast cancer on every front — through research, support, awareness, and justice.

      We are normal people. We are plugged into world and local events. We are often the first to show up anywhere there is injustice because the older members of our community know exactly what it’s like to fight for the basic rights and freedoms others take for granted, and we don’t want special rights, we want the same rights. So stop hating on us, and stop being afraid of people. You’ve probably seen that meme of outer space — a vast image filled with stars and galaxies with an arrow pointing to a tiny blue dot labeled “Earth.”

      How’s that for perspective? We seem pretty insignificant, yet here we are, arguing about a flag. We should be working on bigger issues.

      • You’re looney tunes. The “flag” represents hate. They hate anyone who disagrees with their perversion and want people jailed for not agreeing with them.

      • No hatred here. No fear either. Just facts. The American Flag “includes” ALL Americans. The pride flag “excludes” the heterosexual community. Therefore, any flag that does not “include” ALL should not be in any taxpayer-funded entity. Period.

        • Is this true? Wasn’t there a time when the flag represented white male Americans? I don’t know that it’s different now. I think the current flag represents billionaires.

          • It’s 2025 bud…a lot has changed. Life is good in America. The number one killer here is eating too much. In other words, we are fat and happy.

            I have traveled all over the world and there is nowhere better on earth. If you believe there is, go there. I’ll help you pack.

    • The Verdict, your comment reveals that you understand nothing about the rainbow flag. In the context of an academic setting it indicates a safe haven. What is wrong with that?

        • The rainbow flag is genreally considered to indicate a refuge, a safe harbor, a safe haven, inclusiveness and is indicative of healing not hate.

          • Based on history and the border situation of the last years, I’d say America is the real safe harbor and safe haven people are chasing. Not a rainbow flag. America is also The Most Diverse country on planet earth. Your flag singles out most Americans. Sorry…you have free will to believe what you want, but I don’t want it forced on my kids. Take your cult beliefs back to your cult or to the next protest.

  17. I do not want flags of any type other than the American Flag or State Flags. I am not afraid of a rainbow flag and I am not afraid of a confederate flag. But neither need to be in a classroom.

  18. American flag
    Rainbow flag
    Gadsden flag
    Israel flag
    Confederate flag
    State flag
    Skull and crossbones flag
    Hamas flag
    Nazi flag
    Only two of those should be flown in a classroom in the United States. PERIOD.

  20. As Carroll said (and I can’t believe I’m agreeing with him), policies like this are far too broad. There’s a HUGE difference between what’s acceptable for a kindergarten class and a college-level biology class.
    Actually, there isn’t any difference . Teachers should not be allowed to express political, social, religious or philosophical personal views. They could only teach state mandate curriculum. It’s actually very simple….. unless you have an agenda.

    • Parents have absolutely no say in what’s going on in the public school system. The entire apparatus needs to be defunded. Five Alarm Fire boy definitely has his own agenda.

    • If we remove the money, the people with the the problems like 5alarm problems will go away. Kay Carrol is confused.

  22. Liberal Lee Jones bless her heart she’s still pouting about the outcome of the vote her jeff both.

  23. Liberal Lee Jones bless her she’s still pouting about the outcome bless her heart. jeff sullivan can’t tote the truth in a bucket.

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