The Shawnee Mission School District has issued a policy prohibiting teachers from wearing safety pins. Wearing a safety pin has become a symbol that the wearer is an ally of vulnerable communities, and seeks to create a safe space for all people. The ACLU of Kansas is speaking out against the policy, which limits constitutionally protected speech and sends the signal that the safety and success of all students is not important to the district.
In a letter sent to district leaders, executive director Micah Kubic writes, “If it is actually the district’s position that it is “disruptive” to symbolically state that all students can feel safe and valued, that says something deeply disturbing and harmful about the culture and orientation of Shawnee Mission School District."
News Coverage:
"Shawnee Mission schools: Safety pin limit imposed after Confederate flag incident", The Kansas City Star, 11/22/2016
"Shawnee Mission School District says teachers not allowed to wear safety pins in class", Fox4 KC, 11/22/2016
"ACLU of Kansas sends letter to Shawnee Mission superintendent urging reversal on policy banning teachers wearing safety pins", Shawnee Mission Post, 11/22/2016
"ACLU warns Shawnee Mission School District to reconsider safety pin ban", KMBC, 11/22/2016