Lakeville school board votes to remove inclusive posters from district buildings

The Lakeville school board voted Tuesday night to remove a series of inclusive posters from the district’s schools.

The posters, designed by staff with input from students in 2021, have slogans like “everyone is welcome,” “we are stronger together,” and “Black lives matter.” Critics said they’re too political.

After a lengthy public comment session and discussion among board members, the board voted 4 to 3 to take the posters down and create a new series based on academic excellence.

School board member Brett Nicholson voted to remove the posters.

“We can start a poster series that lines up with what this board has envisioned for the school district, as well as incorporates everybody,” Nicholson said.

Students, staff and community members filled the room for Tuesday’s meeting. The board heard an hour of public comment, with many attendees pushing to keep the posters in place.

Board member Carly Anderson voted to keep the posters. She urged the board to wait on a vote and take time to discuss the issue with students and staff — and to determine whether or not the posters violate district policy.

Anderson said she disagreed with the view that the messages were too political. 

“‘Black lives matter’ is a statement we should all be able to embrace and get behind,” Anderson said. “Has the organization been politicized? Absolutely. But it doesn’t make those three words political in our schools.”

It’s not the first time the posters sparked debate. A lawsuit against the district is currently pending; parents and community members argue the district discriminated against their political viewpoints by allowing “Black lives matter” posters, but not “blue lives matter” or “all lives matter” messages.

The school board heard a briefing on the case in a closed session earlier this month.

Board chair Matt Swanson said Tuesday’s vote stemmed from that briefing. He said it was a chance to take a stance of “aggressive neutrality” amid political polarization.

“This board’s agreement or disagreement as to whether or not it is time to shift to a new focus or chapter for the district is not a decision that is taken lightly, and should not be construed as an indication that any board member does not value each and every child in our schools,” Swanson said.

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