ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, Md. — The Anne Arundel County School Board voted down the proposal to limit which flags can be displayed on school property Wednesday afternoon.
The vote was close, finishing with four against, three in favor, and one board member abstaining.
If passed, the new policy would have only allowed flags with a "bona fide educational purpose," and government flags like the American, Maryland State, Anne Arundel County, and Annapolis City flags.
RELATED: Proposed school flag policy sparks debate in Anne Arundel County
Those against the proposal included members of the Teachers' Association of Anne Arundel County and LGBTQ+ proponents, who say something as simple as a flag displayed in a classroom could help a marginalized student feel comfortable.
"The pride flags show support, compassion, empathy," said Kevin McDonald, a parent in attendance Wednesday.
"When they see the flag, it might be just an inkling of feeling better, of how they are living their life, and feel like they have some sort of acceptance at the school," McDonald added.
BREAKING: Anne Arundel School Board decides NOT to adopt policy proposal which would limit flags in classrooms. @WMAR2News
— Jack Watson (@JackWatsonTV) July 12, 2023
Those in favor of the proposal argued the U.S. flag already unifies everyone, and the classroom should be a neutral place.
"The policy being voted down is just creating more division in the classrooms and in the community," said David Morsberger.
"I love everybody. I accept everybody. I just want schools to be an environment where you focus on education," Morsberger added.
