Protest against Three Rivers schools Pride flag ban to start at 4 p.m.

School board meeting to follow at 6 p.m.

A protest against Three Rivers Community Schools’ recent Pride flag ban is scheduled for 4 p.m. today, Monday, December 6 in the south parking lot of Three Rivers High School. “100 Allies for Acceptance,” organized by Andrew George and Riley Mains, will take place during the two hours before Monday night’s Three Rivers school board meeting, which begins at 6 p.m.

The ban garnered both national and international attention when former Three Rivers Middle School teacher Russell Ball resigned after school staff was asked to remove Pride flags from their classrooms in response to an “external threat” lodged against the district. The Three Rivers Board of Education’s agenda for this evening does not include an item regarding the ban but the meeting has been moved to the Three Rivers High School Performing Arts Center in anticipation of a larger than usual turnout, as well as a longer public comment period.

A police presence is expected at tonight’s protest as a precaution but George told Watershed Voice the demonstration will be a peaceful one.

“The goal of tonight’s protest is to show Three Rivers Community Schools that our city truly supports the LGBTQIA+ community,” George said. “I am hopeful that tonight we can show TRCS that love is not political, which we will do peacefully. I am also thankful that the Three Rivers Police Department will be on-site. The goal for the protest and everyday after is to make sure that everyone feels safe and welcome in Three Rivers.”

Watershed Voice will stream live from the protest on its Facebook page, and speak to folks in attendance.

Alek Haak-Frost is executive editor of Watershed Voice.