OutFront Kalamazoo Encourages Participation in Three Rivers Debate

Thursday, December 2, 2021 - The removal of Pride flags from Three Rivers Middle School classrooms will be a topic of discussion at the Dec. 6 Three Rivers School Board and OutFront Kalamazoo is encouraging the LGBTQ+ community and allies to attend and express support for Russell Ball, a Three Rivers Middle School teacher who resigned when the principal told him to remove his Pride flag from his classroom.

As reported by mLive, Mr. Ball, who taught seventh-grade health, received an email on the morning of Friday, November 19, 2021 from the Three Rivers Middle School principal telling staff members to take down their Pride flags in their classrooms.

Ball, who identifies as part of the LGBTQ+ community, left his flag up and turned in his resignation saying "I resigned today after 12 years in education when my district demanded I remove my pride flag from my classroom. I refuse to be an active part of the oppression and suppression of an already marginalized student population. The Pride flag isn't political."

OutFront Kalamazoo stands by the LGBTQ+ students, staff, and families who have been deeply impacted by these events. Taking simple actions such as attending this board meeting, sends a message that the community stands in support of LGBTQ+ students and staff. The Pride flag is a symbol of affirmation, acceptance and belonging. Allowing the staff to display the Pride flag is one direct way to support a safe, accepting environment.

"It's important for the students that are members of the LGBTQIA+ community to have representation in the schools," said Ball. "And the flag is a big part of that representation. It's also a part of who I am as a person. So, it felt like to me, I was being complicit in the marginalization of the student group that has largely been marginalized their entire life. So, it's important to me to maintain for my students that there's a safe place for them to be, and they still had support within the school."

The School Board meeting is scheduled Monday, December 6 at 6:00 pm at the school’s Performing Arts Center, 700 Sixth Avenue Road, Three Rivers, MI for those who wish to express their support. A student-led protest is scheduled to begin at 4pm. If you choose to attend either, please wear a mask, and maintain social distancing.