HB1132

I don't get it? Is this just to keep a pride flag from flying? Or something related to the season? I'm all for prohibiting bigoted, racist, fascist, and other hateful flags, but not flags that are inclusive and welcoming for the students and community.

Flags are a quiet signal to others of support. Everyone deserves to know they are safe and welcome. This law is poorly written and will make teaching even more difficult. Let's get back to the REAL problems here in NH.

This bill is intentionally vague and that’s a problem. It gives the government power to decide which flags are “acceptable” in schools without clearly defining what is and isn’t allowed. That kind of ambiguity invites selective enforcement and political interference where it doesn’t belong.

As an educator, I ask that you oppose HB1132. Flags are powerful symbols that help school communities and classrooms foster belonging, build awareness, and honor the diverse identities of New Hampshire’s children. Our American tradition is rooted in acknowledging and embracing the many stories that make us one nation. Our pride lies in seeing one another fully — with all our unique gifts and beauty — not as copies of each other, but as valued individuals. We stand for unity, not uniformity. Let’s raise flags that say, “You are seen. You are safe. You are welcome.” Let’s show every student that they belong here. Please oppose HB 1132 so that every classroom can remain a place where freedom, belonging, and learning flourish.

Flags are important representation of identity. Symbolism is an important part of being an American. It is telling, therefore, that the ban of flags supporting international bodies, peace-keepers, allies to groups who have been historically marginalized (e.g., LGBTQIA groups), and so forth, are being considered for ban in this moment. Open flag display is about showing up, taking accountability for what you represent, and taking responsibility to openly appear to others. This is a right that many have fought for, and died for. It is a right to which other areas of this great nation are still fighting for. And it speaks to the mind of the committee that they are more concerned with isolating and removing this freedom than with being welcoming, understanding, or meeting the moment we are in with responsibility. Some may feel that my stance is "too political". However, every part of our lives are political. The lives of students, teachers, and their experiences are intertwined with politics. It is not just about the appearance of the flag in school or "signaling", either. Scientists have ample data suggesting that the presence of flags with welcoming meanings, like the Pride flag, lowers youth risk for suicide as well as makes them feel welcomed, for example. Openly supporting a charitable cause - the lives and well-being of others - is also deeply linked with flag displays. The exemptions are not sufficient; the wording of suggests that punishment can be applied arbitrarily and escalated rapidly. In a global world, where the United States of America must continue to defend itself, its allies, and freedoms, this bill echoes as another restriction on the freedom of expression to both students and educators. I strongly oppose this bill, and share my disdain for the motion to do this in the future.

I oppose this bill because I don't think it is necessary, much like HB1345. Who is going to enforce this law? impose the penalty, etc. Probably the schools can manage this without legislation.

This bill is idiotic!!!

I was not out in high school. I can remember 2 teachers that had a pride flag on their door. It made me feel less alone. It made me feel like I had a lifeline of if I was outed. It is simple. It is small. You may not understand it but a simple display of a pride flag can save someone’s life.

This bill is anything but neutral, and is specifically aimed at ensuring that schools cannot display any LGTQIA+ messaging or flags. It says in the body of the bill that they only want the American, NH State, or POW/MIA flags displayed on school campuses. Yet, there is a ton of language about "prohibited flags" in the bill. While currently, there is not a list of the flags they want to prohibit, these bills are constantly being edited and rewritten before they go to vote. Please do not be surprised if/when they edit this bill to include a list of flags they want to prohibit, which will likely include any pride flags, and probably, any other flags that disagree with the capitalist, monotheistic state these lawmakers support.. Schools display pride flags in school to show LGBTQIA+ kids that they are accepted and in a relatively safe place in a world in which they face continuous discrimination and violence for being themselves. This bill would prohibit that small action in schools, and thus only servce to further marginalize an already marginalized population.

This is silly. Way more important issues to address to benefit the people of NH.

Freedom of speech should not be restricted in our schools (with very few exceptions where harm to students may be done). Flags of all countries and LGBTQIA+ flags should certainly be allowed.

This bill is an obvious free speech violation. It’s all Live Free or Die unless you disagree with your very specific point of view. Please reject this bill and do better.

I strongly oppose HB 1132 and HB 1412. HB 1132 unnecessarily restricts what public and charter schools may display by limiting flags to only the U.S. flag, the New Hampshire state flag, and the POW/MIA flag. While framed as neutrality, this bill would effectively ban other commonly displayed flags, most notably Pride flags, that many schools use to signal inclusion, safety, and belonging for students. Schools are not merely buildings; they are communities. Visual symbols like Pride flags do not indoctrinate students or distract from learning. They communicate to LGBTQ+ students and families that they are seen, respected, and safe. Removing these symbols sends the opposite message—that some students’ identities are unwelcome or inappropriate for public acknowledgment. The complaint and penalty structure in HB 1132 is particularly concerning. It invites politicized enforcement, encourages community conflict, and places educators and administrators at risk of punishment for fostering inclusive environments. This will not improve education outcomes; it will chill speech, harm school climate, and increase fear among vulnerable students. HB 1412, while focused on mandating the display of U.S. and NH flags, further reinforces a troubling trend of legislative micromanagement of schools. Decisions about classroom and school environments are best left to local educators and communities—not dictated by the state through rigid mandates and size requirements. New Hampshire schools should be focused on student learning, mental health, and safety, not policing symbols or responding to ideologically motivated complaints. These bills do not solve a real problem, but they do create new ones. I urge legislators to reject HB 1132 and HB 1412 and instead support policies that respect local control, protect students, and allow schools to remain welcoming environments for all.

Just like the US flag, the state flag, and the POW/MIA flag, the rainbow flag is a sign of unity and welcoming.

Banning all flags? Patriots flags? Sox flags? What a ridiculous bill. Kill it!

Dear members of the House Education Policy & Administration Committee, I am writing to strongly oppose NH HB1132 because banning pride flags in public schools would remove an important message of safety and belonging for many students. A pride flag (or even a pin, sticker, etc.) does not promote a belief system or ideology, rather it signals to LGBTQ+ students that they are welcome, respected, and allowed to exist in shared spaces as they are. Removing signs of acceptance doesn’t help students; it only serves to isolate some of the most vulnerable kids. Public schools should be places where every student feels safe to learn as themselves and this bill seeks to do the opposite. I urge you to oppose HB1132 and support this meaningful form of freedom of speech. Thank you for your time and consideration, Theresa Vaillancourt Goffstown, NH

Really?! No learning about other countries as students study world geography?!!! No sports teams flags as kids and teachers bond over Red Sox, Patriots, Bruins, etc.? This is a ridiculous bill and a true waste of government time and money. Oppose!!!

Schools are places where constitutional rights—including free expression—are learned and practiced. This bill imposes a restrictive ban that inappropriately censors free expression. By turning symbolic expression into a penalty-driven compliance issue, this bill is yet another measure designed to intimidate and undermine the hardworking teachers who have dedicated their lives to New Hampshire children.

Our reps are focusing on the wrong things in NH. I oppose this bill and encourage our reps to vote no for the following reasons: Targets Free Expression and Inclusivity The bill would effectively ban the display of pride flags and other symbolic flags that represent identity, community, or support within schools, which many argue are important for fostering an inclusive and respectful learning environment. Suppresses Student and Community Voices Restricting flag displays can silence cultural, historical, and social perspectives. Schools are places where students should feel acknowledged and respected; limiting symbolic displays undermines that environment. Chills School Culture and Education Broadly prohibiting flags beyond a narrow set may discourage schools from engaging with important contemporary issues related to history, civic engagement, and diversity. Unclear Penalty Structure Could Lead to Over-Enforcement The bill authorizes monetary penalties (up to $1,000 per violation) and escalating disciplinary actions for repeat violations, which could create unnecessary administrative burdens and conflict between schools and the State Board of Education. Undermines Local Control Decisions about school culture and what symbols are appropriate are better made by local school communities rather than mandated by state law. Could Exacerbate Tensions and Exclusion Singling out certain flags for prohibition may contribute to feelings of exclusion among students already marginalized in school settings, rather than promoting understanding and unity.

I oppose this bill.

This bill is unnecessary and restrictive for no good reason.

As retired teacher, I look back on all the wonderful students I had. I worked to make each and every one feel comfortable in my classroom so that they could do their best. A small pride and BLM flag or sign lets kids know that they are all welcome.