Detroit Lakes Rainbow Display Ban Draws Backlash
DETROIT LAKES (trfnews.i234.me) — A new school board directive is changing what students and staff may display.
The Detroit Lakes School Board approved the directive in a 4-2 vote on July 27, 2026.
It bans materials not funded, sponsored, or approved by the district.
The rule covers backpacks, lockers, classroom doors, and other school spaces.
Rainbow stickers, posters, buttons, and flags were specifically discussed during the meeting.
Some teachers had used small rainbow stickers to mark classrooms as safe spaces for LGBTQ+ students.
Students Voice Concern
The directive quickly drew concern from students, including incoming senior Molly Jo.
“I could not believe that our school board would be the one doing it,” Molly said.
She said the school had previously felt open and accepting toward LGBTQ+ students.
Molly also questioned the directive because the high school has an approved Gay-Straight Alliance club.
She believes the new rule may discourage students from showing their identities or supporting classmates.
“It feels like they’re telling them to be quiet,” Molly said.
Directive Was Not on Agenda
The directive was not listed on the meeting agenda.
Superintendent Mark Jenson said the motion surprised him during the meeting.
Supporters said the rule should keep political messages out of district spaces.
They said the same standard should cover abortion, gun rights, gun control, and other disputed issues.
Supporters also argued the district should not appear to support one political position.
Opponents said rainbow symbols are not campaign materials.
They described the displays as signs of safety, support, and acceptance.
Molly called the directive a threat to civil rights and free expression.
Students Consider a Response
Students are now discussing a public response before classes resume.
Molly told TRFR News that students may distribute stickers, buttons, and flags.
She said the action could happen on the first school day.
The district has not announced whether students could face discipline for those actions.
The directive remains active while debate continues across the school community.
The board is scheduled to meet again on Aug. 24.
Residents can review information through the Detroit Lakes Public Schools website.
The district also posts schedules and public documents on its school board page.
The debate centers on whether rainbow symbols are political messages or personal expressions.
The next meeting may bring more public comments and questions about enforcement.
I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.
Copyright 2026 TRF News. All rights reserved.
Give me one good reason those flags need to be in schools. Only need two flags in schools. The Flag of the United States and the Flag of the State the school is in end of story
because why are we bringing/putting pride flags in the school? That’s the stupidest shit ever
Were sick of what they are shoving down our kids throats! Boomerang 🪃
Everybody is tired of this lgbtq+ 4K whatever this is ridiculous you are trying to mentally disrupt the youth
Good.
Should cause backlash from the non indoctrinated students.
If so then those kids need help.
They’ll get over it
Reading this I can’t help but think about the time it was acceptable for me to bring a gun to school.
Get them the help they need at the appropriate time in development and see how much less confused they will be….
These kids aren’t the ones that put this into play. It was their sick twisted parents that pushed this along with some teachers.
Get that crap out of our school!!!
Keep the ban