JEFFERSON TWP — A Knoch High School student took her concerns to the school board regarding a proposed district policy that she said could marginalize LGBTQ students.

The student, who the Eagle has chosen not to name because she is a minor, told the board at its Wednesday meeting the “Classroom displays and decorations” policy would prohibit posting material in classrooms that is affiliated with any social or political movements.

She said it would prevent teachers and administrators from displaying support for the LGBTQ+ community in classrooms.

“The evident removal of outward support for LGBTQ members sends a message of immaturity, disdain and refusal to acknowledge the LGBTQ presence at Knoch,” she told the school board members.

She said bullying and exclusion are most often fueled by differences between people and that accepting oneself can be difficult if a student feels like an outsider.

She said a recent study showed that LGBTQ students have higher rates of anxiety, depression and suicide than their heterosexual classmates.

“However, LGBTQ teens that had access to affirming and accepting environments to express themselves reported lower rates of attempting suicide,” she said.

She told the board members the removal of public displays of support for the LGBTQ community at Knoch implies those students are not accepted.

The student said prohibiting displays of support in the schools would “lead to an environment that is neither student-centered nor future-focused, as described in the district mission statement.”

The board did not comment on the student’s concerns.

David Foley, superintendent, said Thursday the issue arose after stickers were removed in a high school classroom that indicated the room was a safe space for all students.

Foley said the prospective policy is not currently before the school board for a vote and has become an “administrative regulation,” which means it will go through an administrative process to address issues within the policy.

“We are trying to maintain a focus on curriculum and trying our best to make sure that every classroom in our district is a safe space where students are free of bullying, and every student feels comfortable to engage in learning,” Foley said. “Indicating certain rooms are safe and others that didn’t have a sticker are not safe or welcoming is not the way we want to proceed in our district.”

The prospective policy was posted on the district’s website for the Aug. 10 meeting, but was removed from the site for the Wednesday meeting.

The potential policy prohibits district employees from hanging or displaying anything that represents “any social agenda or other controversial matter, including political or religious messages.”

The policy said while unaltered U.S. flags are exempt, “controversial subject matter (that) will cause strong negative reactions from reasonably-minded (sic) persons” is prohibited.

In addition to subject matter regarding politics or candidates, “concepts, images, slogans or phrases that appeared in the media and have been associated with controversy or a movement or cause” would be prohibited, if the policy were passed.

Subject matter “that a reasonable person would deem offensive, obscene or inflammatory” also would be prohibited.

Foley said the district has a lot of room to grow, but it has the best interest of every student and every student group in mind.

“We’re trying our best to improve and ensure every student feels comfortable in our buildings,” he said.

Foley was quick to share his admiration for the student’s bravery and resolve in approaching the school board with her concerns.

“I thought she did a wonderful job. She was very articulate,” Foley said. “She did a nice job explaining her thoughts and her position, and I think the board heard her.”

He said her comments will definitely lead to more discussion at the administrative level.

“I just appreciate her really thinking through her position and coming to the board,” Foley said. “That’s not an easy thing.”