Students, advocates urge Sonoma City to back pride flag at Sonoma Valley High after removal by school board member

Students and local advocates pressed the City of Sonoma on a request to formally support flying a pride flag at Sonoma Valley High School after the flag was removed by a school board member without public notice.

Multiple students described the emotional impact of the removal and appealed to the council to protect LGBTQ+ students. A junior, Kimberly Torres, said she and peers were “in shock” when they learned the flag was taken down; another student, Judah White, said the flag helped him come out and that giving it up would mean losing a source of safety and belonging. Lisa Stormont, president of Wake Up Sonoma, said the removal was “irresponsible” and urged the council to issue a statement of support even though the city does not control the school board.

The students and speakers argued the flag is more than decoration: they said it signals safety for vulnerable youth and warned that removing it can amplify bullying and mental-health harms. Several speakers noted the flag was eventually restored only after public criticism and called that reaction insufficient.

Council members responded by acknowledging the limits of city authority over the school district but said they wanted to discuss whether the city could offer an expression of support. One council member asked staff to agendize the matter for a future meeting; the city manager and staff said they would work on timing and report back.

The council did not adopt any resolution at the meeting. The matter will be scheduled for further consideration so the council can decide whether to issue a formal statement or other nonbinding expression of support.

Ending — Next step: council members asked staff to place the item on a future agenda for discussion and possible action.