The Newberg school board has tabled the motion to rescind its August ban of pride and Black Lives Matter flags on its campuses. Newly elected conservative board members set about in July to reverse inclusive and anti-racist policies. But the extreme action drew national media attention, threats of lawsuits and community backlash. School board members came to a 4-3 vote to table on the Sept. 1 meeting as they await official language on the ban from the district’s policy committee. The four conservative members still face possible repercussions for taking actions in violation of open meeting laws, including hiring a “supplemental attorney” in connection with the policy. We get reactions to the board’s actions from three students as they prepare to start school next week. Ruth Hyland is a senior at Catalyst alternative high school and a member of the Gender and Sexuality Alliance. Newberg High School junior Alexus Small helped found the Black Student Union last year, and freshman Katia Pender is a member of said group.
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