Idaho school removes inclusive poster for being "political."

An Idaho school has asked a teacher to remove a poster that says "Everyone is Welcome Here." They consider it a political statement. Sarah Inama, a teacher at Lewis and Clark Middle School, was told to take it down, but she refused. The school’s leaders visited her classroom in January and said the poster is "controversial." According to the principal, the district policy requires that posters be "content-neutral." Inama believes the message simply invites everyone, regardless of race, to feel welcome. Inama initially took the poster down but decided to put it back up after reflecting on its meaning. She is now in a legal conflict with the school district, which has given her until the end of the year to remove it or find another that complies with their rules. The school argues that the poster violates its policy against using school property for personal beliefs. They want classrooms to have a neutral environment. However, Inama feels that a welcome message does not break this rule. District officials suggest she could put up other types of motivational posters instead. Many in the community have rallied behind Inama. She has received letters of support from teachers and people worldwide. Students have made friendship bracelets that say "everyone is welcome here." A local t-shirt business is printing thousands of shirts with the same message for students and parents to wear. On March 24, students and parents plan to wear these shirts to school in support of Inama and to protest the school district's decision. They want to show that they believe everyone should feel welcome.