The Detroit Lakes School Board approved the directive in a 4-2 vote on July 27, 2026.<\/p>\n
It bans materials not funded, sponsored, or approved by the district.<\/p>\n
The rule covers backpacks, lockers, classroom doors, and other school spaces.<\/p>\n
Rainbow stickers, posters, buttons, and flags were specifically discussed during the meeting.<\/p>\n
Some teachers had used small rainbow stickers to mark classrooms as safe spaces for LGBTQ+ students.<\/p>\n
Students Voice Concern<\/h2>\n
The directive quickly drew concern from students, including incoming senior Molly Jo.<\/p>\n
\u201cI could not believe that our school board would be the one doing it,\u201d Molly said.<\/p>\n
She said the school had previously felt open and accepting toward LGBTQ+ students.<\/p>\n
Molly also questioned the directive because the high school has an approved Gay-Straight Alliance club.<\/p>\n
She believes the new rule may discourage students from showing their identities or supporting classmates.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt feels like they\u2019re telling them to be quiet,\u201d Molly said.<\/p>\n
Directive Was Not on Agenda<\/h2>\n
The directive was not listed on the meeting agenda.<\/p>\n
Superintendent Mark Jenson said the motion surprised him during the meeting.<\/p>\n
Supporters said the rule should keep political messages out of district spaces.<\/p>\n
They said the same standard should cover abortion, gun rights, gun control, and other disputed issues.<\/p>\n
Supporters also argued the district should not appear to support one political position.<\/p>\n
Opponents said rainbow symbols are not campaign materials.<\/p>\n
They described the displays as signs of safety, support, and acceptance.<\/p>\n
Molly called the directive a threat to civil rights and free expression.<\/p>\n
Students Consider a Response<\/h2>\n
Students are now discussing a public response before classes resume.<\/p>\n
Molly told TRFR News that students may distribute stickers, buttons, and flags.<\/p>\n
She said the action could happen on the first school day.<\/p>\n
The district has not announced whether students could face discipline for those actions.<\/p>\n
The directive remains active while debate continues across the school community.<\/p>\n
The board is scheduled to meet again on Aug. 24.<\/p>\n
Residents can review information through the Detroit Lakes Public Schools website<\/a>.<\/p>\n The district also posts schedules and public documents on its school board page<\/a>.<\/p>\n The debate centers on whether rainbow symbols are political messages or personal expressions.<\/p>\n The next meeting may bring more public comments and questions about enforcement.<\/p>\n
![\"Detroit](\"https:\/\/trfnews.i234.me\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Detroit-Lakes-Rainbow-Display-Ban-Draws-Backlash-300x169.png\")