District's Inclusive Symbols and Flags Decision

Board adopts inclusive-symbols resolutions to support students and staff

At the Jan. 28 Regular Board Meeting held at the Impact Career Innovation Center, the Durango School District 9-R Board of Education voted unanimously to pass two resolutions affirming its commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) for all students, staff, and community members.

These resolutions aim to create safer, more inclusive environments for LGBTQIA2S+ and Indigenous, Black, and People of Color (IBPOC) populations within the district.

• The LGBTQIA2S+ Resolution allows the display of symbols such as Pride Progress flags and supports inclusive policies, including maintaining all-gender restrooms in every school. It also affirms students' rights to participate in Sexuality and Gender Acceptance (SAGA) clubs and encourages staff and students to express their identities openly.

• The IBPOC Resolution permits Black Lives Matter and similar supportive symbols in schools and outlines commitments to address opportunity gaps, systemic biases, and inequities faced by students and staff of color.

The Impact Career Center was filled to capacity during the meeting, and the 10 speakers for public comment all spoke in favor of the resolutions.

"I continue to be blown away by the bravery of all of you," said Board Vice President Erika Brown. "We heard very clearly from all of you, over and over in emails and lots of venues, that these symbols are important for you to feel safe. ...You can’t learn if you’re not safe. You can’t thrive, and you can’t be who you are and need to be in the world. The other beautiful thing about it, to me, is that creating that safe place doesn’t take away safety for anyone else.”

Board President Kristin Smith spoke about her own experience in district schools and why she moved to second the motion. 

"These resolutions are really important to me, because I believe they give certain groups of students extra support," said Smith. "Students can see these signs from teachers – who are not required to post these signs – and maybe they will feel that extra connection with that teacher, or maybe they will be able to share with that teacher more of their thoughts on life and be able to feel supported."

The adoption of these resolutions follows months of community input, public discussions, and collaboration with stakeholders. Data from local and national sources highlights the urgent need for such measures. For instance, LGBTQIA2S+ youth are significantly more likely to face bullying and mental health challenges, while IBPOC students encounter disproportionate barriers to academic success and equity.

Both resolutions align with the board’s Operational Expectation 13 Policy: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Operational Expectation Policy passed in 2023, which details the district’s commitment to providing inclusive, equitable, and safe environments for all.

"I believe in our DEIB policy and resolutions," said Board Treasurer Rick Petersen. "I think the most important part about that is the equity portion. For people who are not aware, there’s a difference between equality and equity. Equality means everybody gets the same. Equity means everybody gets what they need – and that may not be the same. That’s borne out by all of our processes within the district. There are students who need extra support or special accommodations – and that’s where the equity part comes in."

October 2024

• The district receives a parental complaint regarding the display of Black Lives Matter and Progress Pride flags.

• Flags are temporarily removed to ensure compliance with board policies and legal guidelines.

November 2024

• Community feedback begins, with significant input from parents, students, and staff expressing support for the flags as symbols of belonging.

• The Board of Education begins preliminary discussions on addressing the issue.

December 2024

• Draft resolutions permitting the display of the flags are introduced during a public board meeting.

• Public input is solicited, with both support and opposition voiced.

January 2025

• The Board holds a closed consultation with legal counsel to finalize the language and ensure the resolutions comply with district policy and state law.

• Resolutions are presented in detail during a public meeting, and a vote is scheduled.

January 28, 2025

• The Board of Education officially votes on and adopts the resolutions during the regularly scheduled meeting.

What is the purpose of these resolutions?

These resolutions affirm Durango School District’s commitment to inclusivity and equity by supporting LGBTQIA2S+ and IBPOC students, staff, and community members. They outline specific actions to create a welcoming and safe environment for all while addressing systemic discrimination and barriers to equity.

What do the acronyms LGBTQIA2S+ and IBPOC stand for?

The acronym LGBTQIA2S+ represents a diverse spectrum of sexual orientations and gender identities. It stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual or Ally, and Two-Spirit – a term used by some Indigenous North American communities to describe individuals who embody both masculine and feminine spirits or hold unique spiritual roles tied to their gender identity. The "+" symbol ensures inclusivity for identities not explicitly listed. The acronym IBPOC stands for Indigenous, Black, and People of Color. It highlights the inclusion of Indigenous and Black individuals while recognizing the broader experiences of other people of color who face systemic inequities and discrimination.

Why is the district taking this step now?

These resolutions respond to community feedback, research, and data showing the urgent need to address inequities and support marginalized groups. They build on the district’s existing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB) commitments and align with the Board’s policies.

Does this mean the district is promoting political agendas?

No. The resolutions focus on fostering belonging, safety, and equity for all students and staff. Supporting marginalized groups is not a political stance, but a reflection of the district’s mission to provide equitable education.

What actions are outlined in the LGBTQIA2S+ resolution?

Key actions include:

Allowing Pride Progress flags and other LGBTQIA2S+ affirming symbols in schools

Affirming students’ rights to use restrooms aligned with their gender identity (as required by state law)

• Maintaining all-gender restrooms in all schools

• Supporting SAGA (Sexuality and Gender Acceptance) groups

• Encouraging students and staff to freely express their identities without fear of discrimination

Do schools in Durango School District have gender-neutral and gender-specific restrooms? 

Yes. The approval of the inclusive-symbols resolutions did not change anything in the district's restroom policies or facilities. Colorado law and the Colorado Civil Rights Commission have established that students must be allowed to use restrooms that align with their gender identity. This applies at all grade levels, meaning a transgender student cannot be required to use a gender-neutral or separate restroom. Our district complies with this requirement by providing access to both gender-specific and gender-neutral restroom options. Additionally, under state code, adults cannot use student restrooms. Most of our campuses have designated staff restrooms, and where those have been converted to meet gender-neutral requirements, staff should use single-stall, gender-neutral restrooms. For more details, refer to Colorado Administrative Code. Our priority is ensuring all students and staff feel safe and respected while following state law.  

Why is this resolution necessary?

LGBTQIA2S+ students face disproportionately high rates of bullying, harassment, and mental health challenges. Research shows that affirming their identities reduces these risks and promotes belonging, which supports their academic success and well-being.

What about families who may disagree?

The district values diverse perspectives and encourages respectful dialogue. These resolutions do not impose requirements, but provide opportunities for visible support aligned with the district’s DEIB goals.

What is the IBPOC resolution about?

This resolution addresses systemic inequities faced by Indigenous, Black, and People of Color (IBPOC) students and staff. It supports the display of symbols like Black Lives Matter flags and outlines commitments to close opportunity gaps and reduce bias.

What data supports the need for this resolution?

National and local data highlights disparities in education and justice systems for IBPOC students. For example, nationwide statistics show:

• Native American youth have the lowest graduation rates and are 3.7 times more likely to be placed in juvenile facilities than white peers.

• Black students are 3.6 times more likely to receive out-of-school suspensions.

• Hispanic students face higher dropout rates than white students. 

How does this resolution impact students who are not IBPOC?

Promoting equity for one group does not take away from others. The goal is to ensure every student, regardless of background, has the resources and support they need to thrive.

How will these resolutions be implemented?

The district will:

• Provide professional development to staff on equity and inclusivity

• Ensure inclusive policies and curriculum are in place

• Maintain collaboration with the Inclusive Excellence Guiding Coalition and third-party experts to address systemic bias

How will the district respond to community concerns?

The district is committed to open and respectful dialogue with all stakeholders. These resolutions reflect its mission to provide equitable opportunities for every student while addressing legitimate concerns.

Are there enforcement mechanisms for these resolutions?

The district’s administration and board will monitor progress and ensure compliance with the resolutions through ongoing evaluation and adjustments as needed.

How can I ask another question about these resolutions?

Email [email protected] 

The Durango School District Communications Department monitors news coverage through tools like Google Alerts. This section provides links to regional and national articles about the Board of Education's inclusive-symbols resolution from widely recognized news sources, authored by trained journalists, to keep our community informed about how our district is being portrayed. Please note that Durango School District neither creates nor endorses the content of these stories; they are shared for informational purposes only.

• Durango schools ban Black Lives Matter, trans-specific pride flags, 10-12-24, The Durango Herald

• Durango school board suspends ban on trans-specific pride, Black Lives Matter flags, 10-15-24, The Durango Herald

• Durango High School students protest district’s political speech policy, 10-15-24, The Durango Herald

• Our view: 9-R, with second action, got it right, 10-17-24, The Durango Herald

• Durango School District says directive on flags sent wrong message, 10-21-24, The Durango Herald

• Durango school board may consider action to sanction certain flags, 11-14-24, The Durango Herald

• ‘Pride’ and Black Lives Matter Flags to Become School Symbols, 11-19-24, Daily Citizen

• Durango school board unveils proposed flag resolutions, 12-14-24, The Durango Herald

• Colorado GOP threatens to sue Durango schools, 12-29-24, The Durango Herald

• Letter to the editor: Let’s have just one flag, 1-4-25, The Durango Herald

• Colorado GOP Threatens to Sue Durango School District Over Pride Flag Resolution, 1-10-25, Colorado Times Recorder

• Letter to the editor: Hope for civil conversation short-lived, 1-12-25, The Durango Herald

• Letter to the editor: GOP’s ‘hateful, threatening’ words at odds with board, DEI, 1-12-25, The Durango Herald

• ‘Vote Us Out of Office,’ Says Board Member To People Who Don’t Support LGBTQ and BLM Flags in Durango Schools, 1-15-25, Colorado Times Recorder

• Letter to the editor: Some thoughts on ‘Let’s have just one flag,’ 1-17-25, The Durango Herald

• Letter to the editor: 9-R, sexual imprinting and a step too far, 1-24-25, The Durango Herald

• Colorado School Board Could Allow Teachers To Fly BLM, Transgender Flags In Classroom, 1-27-25, The Daily Wire

• Despite GOP’s Lawsuit Threat, Durango Board Votes To Support Pride & Black Lives Matter Flags in Schools, 1-29-25, Colorado Times Recorder

• Durango schools pass resolutions permanently reinstating pride, BLM flags, 1-29-25, The Durango Herald

• Letter to the editor: Focus on eggs, not hate against gay and trans people, 1-29-25, The Durango Herald

• Our view: 9-R, Durango, a community of acceptance and support, 2-2-25, The Durango Herald

• Letter to the editor: Board wrong about flags at Durango 9-R schools, 2-6-25, The Durango Herald

• Letter to the editor: We can all do better, 2-6-25, The Durango Herald

• Letter to the editor: 9-R parents and taxpayers deserve transparency, neutrality and inclusion, 2-7-25, The Durango Herald 

• Brief: Colorado GOP Officials Want Trump Administration to 'Freeze' Funding to Durango School District, 2-12-25, Colorado Times Recorder

• School District 9-R's board is a distracted one, 2-18-25, The Journal Cortez