Idaho classroom’s ‘Everyone is Welcome Here’ poster sparks statewide legal debate

A controversial ruling by Idaho’s Attorney General declaring that “Everyone is Welcome Here” posters violate the state’s new classroom display law has ignited fierce debate about inclusion versus politics in public schools.

The controversy centers on former West Ada teacher Sarah Inama, who refused to remove her “Everyone is Welcome Here” poster that depicted racially diverse hands from her Lewis and Clark Middle School classroom. In February, district administrators told her the poster violated their “content neutral” policy. However, Inama defied the order, prompting national media coverage and student protests.

On March 28, the Idaho Department of Education (IDE) asked Attorney General Raul Labrador’s office for guidance, including whether Inama’s posters violated the law. The AG, which took months to respond, said they did. Idaho’s House Bill 41, which prohibits flags or banners depicting political viewpoints in K-12 classrooms, took effect July 1.

In its May 29 response to the Education Department’s questions, Labrador’s office said the signs were “part of an ideological/social movement which started in Twin Cities, Minnesota, following the 2016 election of Donald Trump” and noted that “the Idaho Democratic Party even sells these signs as part of its fundraising efforts.” However, the Idaho Democratic Party claimed they only began selling the signs March 25 after Inama’s story went viral.

Supporters argue inclusion messages reflect legal requirements rather than politics. “To say that ‘Everyone is Welcome’ in a public school system is not political, it’s the law,” Inama told Idaho EdNews, referencing federal civil rights mandates. In April, West Ada trustee Lucas Baclayon, whose family moved from Taiwan to Idaho seven years ago — and whose own child has faced racism at school — said he “absolutely” supports the inclusive message, but he also believes the removal decision was made “with the right intent.”

Inama resigned on May 9, writing she “cannot align myself nor be complicit with the exclusionary views and decisions of the administration.” Recently hired by Boise School District, she awaits guidance on the new law’s impact.

With the new state law carrying no enforcement penalties, the debate over what constitutes “political” messaging in classrooms is likely to continue across Idaho’s school districts.