Sonoma Valley High School Pride Flag Removal

This is a developing story detailing what has happened and is still happening regarding the removal of the pride flag at our local Sonoma High School, the events unfolding within the school board, and the effects it’s having on our students. Sonoma Valley Pride will update this post with resources as news comes out. Scan through to get caught up and understand what’s happening and what’s coming down the pipes.

Key details:

• David Bell ordered the Flag to be removed (date unknown)

• The Flag was not raised on Friday, January 16, 2026

• • Wake Up Sonoma was informed by various sources of the instance and conducted their research with a response on Saturday, January 17, 2026

• • Wake Up Sonoma & Sonoma Valley Pride members met with students on Sunday, January 18, 2026, to help them mobilize with a response.

• David Bell claimed responsibility and apologized for his actions, but stated the issue would be further reviewed on March 12

• Many celebrated as the flag was returned on Tuesday, January 20, 2026

• The students and community all showed up to support the raising of the pride flag

• New meetings are planned to discuss further

What you need to know:

The pride flag has been returned, but the fight isn’t over. There will be a meeting on March 12 to discuss and vote on the future of the pride flag and the nature of which flags are allowed to be raised at the high school. Additionally, a city counsel meeting is planned for January 26 and a school board meeting is set for February 12th to voice public comment which is essential for the support of this issue.

Back Story (Origins of the flag)

The Pride flag was first raised at Sonoma Valley High School in 2019, following student advocacy efforts through the school’s Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA). The flag has since served as a visible symbol of inclusion and safety for LGBTQ+ students.

Sonoma students push for rainbow flag at SVHS

Citation: Sonoma News coverage, 2019

“The High School Pride Flag was created by both straight and gay students to symbolize acceptance in our school. They worked hard to raise it, and they went through the proper channels to do it.” – Solis, Highschool Student

 

“It’s an awareness of all people, a declaration that this is a comfortable space for you to exist and be the way” -Solis, Highschool Student

 

“I don’t know any instances where a member of FFA are being harassed” – Madeline, Highschool Student

 

“by removing this flag, it begs the question, are they going to care if someone bullies us or threatens our right to exist in school environment?” – Madeline, Highschool Student

 

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What Happened in January 2026

On January 16, 2026, the Pride flag was not raised as expected. Multiple sources indicated that they were unaware why this happened, but it likely came from a higher office.

David Bell’s Apology

In an open letter to the community, David Bell, President of the Sonoma Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees, acknowledged responsibility for the Pride flag removal and apologized for how the situation unfolded:

“The Flag – I made a mistake…In hindsight, I should have instead directed staff to agendize the discussion for a board meeting. It is my mistake and for that I apologize.”

Bell emphasized that, in his view, the central issue was not whether the Pride flag should be flown, but rather whether it should be the only flag displayed:

“…the fundamental issue here is not one of ‘if’ the pride flag should be flown. It is one of, should the pride flag be the ‘only’ flag flown? I absolutely support the flying of the pride flag, but not at the exclusion of all other flags.”

He explained that comments from community members — including comparisons to other potential flags like the FFA flag or the Mexican flag — prompted broader questions about flag policy, and said the district should develop a policy that “celebrates, honors, and educates” for all students. Bell also committed to returning the Pride flag to its place at Sonoma Valley High School, and to formally placing a discussion about flag policy on the March 12, 2026 School Board meeting agenda when the new superintendent is in place.

A Message from SVUSD Board President David Bell Regarding the Pride Flag at SVHS

From WakeUP Sonoma:

How can you continue to support the students at the SVHS Gay Straight Alliance?

January 26th City Council meeting Let your city officials know your feelings! Ask for city resolution in support of SVHS flag flying! 6:00 AT City Council Chambers 177 First Street West, Sonoma SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS – Public comment is essential! February 12th School Board meeting THIS is the meeting where the public comment is needed before they agendize the issue for a vote. Waiting for March meeting is too late. March 12 School Board meeting This is where it will come up for vote FOR CONTEXT ON HOW THIS WORKS Closed Session begins at/around 4:30 pm. Open Session begins at/around 6:00 pm. (Public show up) Meetings held at Sonoma City Chambers (177 First Street West, Sonoma) Zoom links to attend the meeting virtually will be posted when the agenda is published. More details to come – possible protest being planned for one or all of these dates. DONATE to the SVHS GSA fund to get T-Shirts, posters and banners out into the community by using this link. Home | Wake UP Sonoma This link can also be found on our home page as well as our donate page. Orders must be received by Friday, 3:30 We are acting as a fiscal agent for them through these times to support their efforts and keep the flag flying. Both T-shirts and hoodies are available.