BOISE, Idaho — A middle school teacher in West Ada School District has been instructed to remove two inclusive signs from her classroom, sparking controversy over the district’s interpretation of its content neutrality policy.
Sarah Inama, who has taught world civilization to 6th graders at Lewis and Clark Middle School for four years, was told by school administrators to take down signs stating “everyone in this room is welcome, important, accepted, respected, encouraged, valued, and equal” and “everyone is welcome here.” The district claims these signs violate policy requiring classroom content to be neutral.
According to Inama, school officials informed her that the signs were considered personal opinions in today’s political climate. “They told me that they were in violation of district policy because in today’s political environment they’re considered a personal opinion,” Inama stated.
james blue