Tennessee School Board Votes to Remove Pride Flags, Allow Only U.S. and State Flags

The Tullahoma City Schools Board voted unanimously Tuesday to restrict the display of flags in classrooms to only the American and Tennessee state flags.

The new policy, set to take effect next school year, was prompted in part by a controversy involving a teacher who was criticized for her remarks about the assassination of Charlie Kirk. A photo circulated online that appeared to show a Pride flag in her classroom, sparking community concern.

Former Tullahoma Alderman Daniel Berry led a petition demanding the removal of all non-official flags from public school classrooms. His petition received nearly 700 signatures.

“Every child, regardless of their background or belief, deserves to walk into a classroom that’s dedicated to learning and not advocacy,” Berry said. “I believe the American and Tennessee flag represents every single student.”

Opponents of the rule, including Democratic activists, argued that Pride flags promote inclusion. Coffee County Democratic Party Vice Chair Andrew Head launched a counter-petition and said their next move is to run candidates in future school board elections.

Despite pushback, the school board stood firm on its decision, emphasizing that public classrooms should remain focused on education, not ideological symbols.