Osceola County School Board rejects resolution to ban political, social agenda flags in schools

KISSIMMEE, Fla. – The Osceola County School Board rejected a resolution to ban political and social agenda flags in schools Tuesday despite support from members of the public.

The resolution said special interest flags have “invited more controversy than conviction and more division than discussion, without adding to the educational environment or outcomes.”

If passed, the resolution would have only allowed the American flag and the state flag, or representation of flags, to be “flown or displayed on school campuses and facilities where instruction takes place.”

It would have prohibited any other symbols or flags representing special interest groups or those with “political or social agendas.”

School Board Member Jon Arguello motioned to pass the resolution, however, none of the school board members seconded the motion for a vote. Arguello has previously said he is the only conservative member on the board.

Many members of the public spoke during public comment in favor of the resolution, including some who wore patriotic outfits and held small American flags.

Chris Fontenot, executive director of the Osceola County Citizens Defending Freedom spoke in favor of the resolution.

“This district needs to redirect the focus on learning and not other ideologies or agendas,” Fontenot said.

“This is really not about flags, what’s going on here, this resolution – it’s about an ideology,” another parent said. “Our schools are not supposed to be the place for political ideology.”

A number of community members spoke against the resolution.

“You are erasing diversity from our public schools by putting through this resolution,” speaker Kevin Parker said.

Another speaker alleged the resolution was an “attack” on LGBTQ students.

“Attacks like these are a contributing factor to the various vacancies we have in our schools, including the one I work at,” the speaker said.

After public comment, Arguello, who proposed the resolution, said he doesn’t believe in “victimhood” and said this is a “first world country.”

Arguello, a combat veteran, said he “fought for this country” and the American flag “represents everyone.”

“You want to know why this district is so bad? […] It’s because cowards manage this district, from protecting your kids at all costs. That’s the reason. And that protection begins with preventing politics from being forced down the throats of your children,” he continued.

This past legislative session, lawmakers proposed HB 901, that would ban the display of political flags on government buildings. A House committee meeting drew many activists who spoke in opposition to the bill.

The legislation was sponsored by Rep. David Borerro, R-Sweetwater and Rep. Randy Fine, R-Melbourne Beach. However, the bill died in the House State Affairs Committee. A similar version of the bill was carried by Sen. Jonathan Martin, R-Fort Myers, but did not pass any committee stops.