Group of Paola students ask school board to reinstate district ‘safe zones’
PAOLA, Kan. (KCTV) - Rainbow signs used to declare certain areas of Paola school buildings as “safe zones” for all, including students who identify as LGBTQ+.
Then they disappeared.
Monday, a group of students attended the Paola School Board meeting. The students wore orange t-shirts that said “Safe Zones Save Lives.” The students asked board to reconsider the removal of the signs.
“I shouldn’t have to stand here and hold up this sign and beg for people to bring back what should have never been taken away. A sign that says ‘we belong.’ A sign that says safe place,” a high school student named Bethany said during the public comment portion of the board meeting.
Paola superintendent Matthew Meek said in December the school was made aware that the signs could be perceived as political speech.
“Following our district policy, we requested that the signs be removed and are working with teachers and staff to thoughtfully address this concern,” Meek said in a statement following the students' comments at the meeting.
The two students who spoke during the Feb. 10, school board meeting said they felt like they were seen and their concerns were heard when the signs were posted.
“These signs are not just a way for teachers to throw their opinions up on display. It’s a message for all of those children who are unsafe at home and all of those children whose parents have restricted them from love. These kids deserve to be loved just as much as the straight kid across from them they should not feel like a disgrace based on how they identify,” a student named Valerie said during the meeting.
Meek said the district’s goal is to make everyone feel safe every day in school buildings.
“Nothing matters more to us than making our schools a safe, welcoming and ive place for each and every student who walks through our doors. I appreciate the partnership with our teachers and staff and the work they do every day to achieve this,” Meek said.
There is no indication whether the signs will return in the future, or if the district plans to move on from the public display.
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