Idaho Attorney General Calls for Removal of Controversial School Signs

The Idaho Attorney General has ruled that any signs indicating “everyone is welcome here” must be removed from public schools across the state, asserting these messages have “inadvertently” led to controversy.

This legal opinion came to light recently from Attorney General Raul Labrador’s office, which specifically mandated the removal of displays like those created by Lewis and Clark Middle School teacher Sarah Inama back in February.

The AG’s office claimed that banners such as Inama’s, which promote inclusivity, violate state laws associated with House Bill 41. This legislation prohibits public schools from endorsing political perspectives through such displays.

According to the statement, “These signs are components of an ideological/social movement that emerged in Twin Cities, Minnesota, following Donald Trump’s 2016 election. Since then, they’ve become a political statement frequently used by Democrats, who have even utilized these signs for fundraising purposes.”

Inama gained attention last winter when the West Ada School District instructed her to remove signs that depicted diverse cartoon hands with various skin tones.

Initially, Inama resisted the directive but ultimately decided to comply after some deliberation over the weekend.

The district’s administration expressed concerns that the message did not resonate with everyone, leading them to ask Inama to take it down. Emails obtained from district officials indicated issues surrounding the representation of different skin tones, suggesting a conflict with the state’s mandate to maintain a neutral and positive educational environment.

After the ruling, Idaho Democrats began selling related merchandise on March 25, responding to residents who wished to support Inama’s stance.

Roberts remarked, “Parents and teachers across the state are seeking equitable opportunities for their children, irrespective of political beliefs. They strive for strong public schools where every student feels welcome and supported.”

The efforts to produce the posters have been ongoing since 2017, driven by teachers who want to convey a commitment against discrimination.

Yet, the office’s ruling also hinted that certain student artwork might face similar restrictions in schools. This stance underscores the ongoing complexities surrounding expressions of inclusivity and political neutrality in educational settings.