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CBS News
9 hours ago
- Politics
- CBS News
Forest Lake school board debates repealing dress code ban on hate symbols
A northern Twin Cities school dress code debate drew large crowds and criticism at a school board meeting on Thursday evening. Forest Lake school leaders are considering repealing the ban on wearing clothing that displays the Confederate flag, swastika and KKK signs. "It will 100% impact the decision on where I send my children," said one parent at Thursday's school board meeting. It's a tense topic at the Forest Lake Area School District school board meeting. "The proposed dress code changes are based on the Minnesota school board association policy, and 99% of schools in Minnesota," said president Curt Rebelein. Rebelein discussed a dress code policy that would mirror the association's language, which removes specific bans on symbols like the KKK, the Confederate flag and more. "Based on directives from the Supreme Court of the United States and provides latitude for student expression and limitations around to ensure a positive learning environment for all students," he said. The board room wasn't even big enough for the size of the crowd that showed up on Thursday, filled with students and former board members. "Where do we draw the line? Where?" one student told WCCO. "We need to start going back the direction of making every child feel included," said a former board member. Even a former superintendent attended. They were a teacher at the time the initial dress code was created, after an African American student was assaulted by students in 1997. The next day, students wore white shirts to show support for the attack. "It has bounced back and forth, which is why it's getting so much attention," the former board member said. In a statement released on Thursday, Forest Lake Mayor Blake Roberts said he's appalled by the movement to repeal the policy. "The current policy has served the district well for 20 plus years. The idea that we are even considering a change to allow symbols of hate, genocide and lynching, is sickening," Roberts said. "This is not Forest Lake, and I strongly urge the school board to do the right thing this evening and prove to the community they do not endorse the right for individuals promote hate and racism." Ultimately, the board voted to send the proposed dress code policy back to the policy committee so they could be more specific with what the rule changes would mean. They won't meet until this fall, which means there are no new rule changes heading into the school year. Stephen Swanson contributed to this report. Forest Lake
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Students stage walkout at Forest Lake High over club cut proposal
Students at Forest Lake High School staged a walkout on Friday in protest to planned district cuts to non-school-sponsored clubs. The walkout happened around 1 p.m., with hundreds of students exiting school buildings, before rallying on the overpass over Highway 61. It comes as the Forest Lake School Board discusses a new policy that would cut funding and staff support for student interest groups at middle schools and high schools unless they are either tied to curriculum or Minnesota State High School League activities. As has been previously reported by the Forest Lake Times, this has sparked concern that it would lead to the closure of a number of current student groups, including those that cater for students with disabilities and minority groups such as Hmong club and the Black, Indigenous, People of Color group. Speaking to KSTP, school board chairman Curt Rebelein said that if the policy passes, the groups may have to go through an annual application process and have a non-paid staff member to supervise, claiming that making this change would align the district with state and federal recommendations. But a parent told KARE 11 that there are middle school groups at surrounding school districts that operate with support, expressing skepticism over the argument that making the change would align with state and federal policies. In a memo to parents this week, the school said that students who choose to leave the building would be marked as unexcused for the time missed. "While we support our students' right to express themselves, it's important to note: The proposed walkout is not sponsored or endorsed by Forest Lake Area High School, Community School, Middle School or the Forest Lake Area School District," the memo said. "If you do hear from your student during the day, we encourage you to remind them of the potential academic and attendance consequences of walking out. Please encourage them to remain in class, stay focused, and finish the school day strong. Your guidance in the moment can make a real difference," it added. "We recognize that this may come as a surprise and that many families may not have the chance to discuss it with their student in advance. Our staff will continue to support all students throughout the day and encourage them to stay engaged in class." A vote on the changes is expected sometime next month.
