HINESBURG, Vt. (WCAX) – The Champlain Valley School Board has approved a new policy to determine what flags fly outside schools in Vermont’s largest district.
The decision-making authority has shifted from the school board to the district superintendent or other designee.
Any requests must come from officially recognized student groups. They will now have to include a time frame for when the flag will be flown and explain how the flag supports the school district’s mission of growth and belonging.
There must also be an educational component that explains why raising that flag is important.
“Students also appreciate the fact that the intent of this is to empower their voice. It’s, in many ways actually, a process that puts the administrative team in a listening and learning position, and I think that’s powerful for our students to know,” said Adam Bunting, the Champlain Valley School District superintendent.
Other than the American and Vermont state flags, Black Lives Matter and Pride Progress flags are currently being flown.
Under the new procedures, students must submit requests by Jan. 17 for the continued display of those flags.
The new policy goes into effect on March 5.