SCHOOL BOARD MEETING MARCH 12TH – 6:00 SHOW UP FOR THE STUDENTS OF SVHS GSA!

Taken from story in Sonoma Valley SUN
by Madeline Edwards President of SVHS GSA.

The Pride flag was taken down at Sonoma Valley High School (SVHS) after board member David Bell decided the flag was harmful to student clubs and sports that do not fly flags on campus.

SVHS students responded immediately.

“I was very angry and upset… it means so much to us,” said Kimberlee Torres, a junior and co-president of the Gender and Sexuality Awareness (GSA) Club.

Solis Schnabel learned about the decision on Instagram after school. “Everybody was posting about it, and I was very shocked, but it was good to see how much of a community response there was.”

Students organized quickly, using social media and holding a GSA meeting to plan next steps. On January 26, Torres and other GSA students spoke during public comment at the Sonoma City Council, emphasizing that schools must be safe spaces and that protections for vulnerable students should not be removed by one board member’s opinion.

Judah White, a sophomore and GSA secretary, shared that the Pride flag helped him feel safe coming out as gay. “It fostered a community that really supports everyone,” he said. He added that the flag represents inclusivity and belonging.

Torres said the flag “creates a safe space where I don’t have to be worried.”

Students say they will continue to speak up. The next step is the SVUSD board meeting on March12, where a decision about the future of the Pride flag is expected to be discussed.
Meeting is held at Sonoma City Chambers – 177 First Street West, Sonoma

Show up, wear your DRAGON T-Shirts, bring your signs, BE VISIBLE for the kids!!! IT MAKES A DIFFERENCE!