Students display 'anti-tolerance' flags after Ponaganset High's Pride Month celebration
GLOCESTER — Several students at Ponaganset High School brought "anti-tolerant" flags to school following a celebration of Pride Month.
In an emailed statement to The Journal, district leaders said there had been an "isolated incident" following the kickoff of Pride Month last week.
A day after the celebration, an administrator noticed some students had flags "symbolizing anti-tolerance culture, which is against core values of our district," read the statement, signed by Foster Supt. Michael Barnes, Glocester Supt. Renee Palazzo and Ponaganset High School Principal Amanda Grundel.
More: Bill would prohibit teaching 'divisive concepts' on race in RI
"The students were immediately called to meet with our administrators about this concerning behavior," the email said. "Moments before this was seen by an administrator, students snapped photos and shared on social media."
Although the district didn't describe the flags, the images on social media showed students displaying a Confederate flag and a flag that directed an obscenity at President Joe Biden.
More: Westerly is the latest school district embroiled in a debate over the memoir 'Gender Queer'
"Every student, educator, staff member, and individual in our school community deserve to feel safe in school," the district leaders wrote. "Our district condemns any and all hate speech in all forms, and we will not tolerate any behavior by any member of our school community who behaves contrary to that principle.
"We saw what a positive and inclusive environment our high school is during celebrations this week, and it's important our students and community feel that same level of inclusion every day. As we move toward the close of our school year, we will continue to prioritize the safety of our students, and that includes maintaining an educational environment that prioritizes their physical, social and emotional well-being and safety."
The district did not say whether any students had been disciplined.
Linda Borg covers education for The Journal.
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Offensive flags at Ponaganset High after Pride Month celebration
