Idaho Attorney General Bans ‘Everyone Is Welcome’ Signs in Public Schools

Idaho's Attorney General Raúl Labrador has ruled that 'Everyone is Welcome Here' signs, like the one displayed by teacher Sarah Inama, must be removed from all public schools in the state, citing House Bill 41 which prohibits banners or flags representing political viewpoints. The AG's office stated that these signs are part of an ideological and social movement originating after the 2016 election of President Donald Trump and have been used by the Democratic Party as political statements, including fundraising efforts by the Idaho Democratic Party. The West Ada School District initially ordered Inama to remove her sign, which featured hands of different skin tones, arguing that the message did not align with a content-neutral policy promoting a positive learning environment. Inama and others have contested the ruling, asserting that welcoming all students regardless of race or ethnicity is not a political statement but a legal standard. The Idaho Department of Education sought and used the AG's opinion to guide schools on the new law, which broadly restricts displays that could be interpreted as expressing opinions on politics, society, or religion. The law and its enforcement raise concerns about the vague definitions of political viewpoint and the impact on educators' ability to promote inclusivity in classrooms.