Idaho’s new banner law, which prohibits school employees from displaying flags or banners that show opinions, emotions, beliefs, or thoughts about politics, economics, society, faith, or religion, has resulted in three complaints during its first year. The law, House Bill 41, went into effect on July 1, 2025.
Complaints and Resolutions
A patron from the Lake Pend Oreille School District filed a complaint about signs with the United States national motto “In God We Trust,” arguing that it is a religious belief and not everyone’s opinion. However, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield responded that the poster is permitted because it complies with a different law allowing the national motto to be displayed.
An anonymous complaint was filed against a Jerome Middle School teacher, Julie Kirk, who was displaying an “Everyone is Welcome Here” sign on her classroom door. The complaint was resolved at the district level after Kirk removed the sign. Kirk stated that she doesn’t believe the sign violates the law and was disappointed that it was turned into a political issue.
A patron filed a complaint against a Moscow High teacher who had a PACE flag in their classroom, arguing that the flag has been tied to several political and advocacy movements. The teacher elected to remove the flag instead of waiting for a determination from the state.
Original reporting: Idaho Education News — read the source article.
