You Belong Here

New Flags Raised in Student Center

“One of the greatest feelings we can experience is that of belonging – knowing that we are accepted and valued for who we are.”

- Dean of Multicultural Education Michelle de la Guardia.

Earlier this month, three new flags were raised in the atrium of the Peter Marshall French Student Center: a “United Against Racism” flag, a “The Governor’s Academy” flag, and the Progress Pride flag. Together, these flags serve as a visible reminder of the Governor’s community’s shared commitment to fostering a school community where every student feels seen, valued, and supported.

When the Student Center reopened following its renovation and expansion in the fall of 2020, our country was navigating a global pandemic while also reckoning with the effects of racial injustice, including the murder of George Floyd. At the time, hanging the Black Lives Matter (BLM) flag alongside The Governor’s Academy flag and the Pride flag was a visible statement of our commitment to providing a safe and inclusive space for Black and Brown students who have historically felt marginalized.

“Govs is known for its family-like atmosphere where students and adults alike feel a profound sense of connection and community. For groups that have historically felt marginalized, it’s essential that they see themselves reflected in our spaces,” said Head of School Dr Peter H. Quimby.

Since then, the BLM flag has become politicized, and in particular, concerns have been raised about anti-Semitic statements made by a number of affiliates of the national BLM organization. As a result, some members of our community have expressed that the flag may no longer serve as an unequivocal symbol of inclusion.

While the Academy remains firmly committed to supporting our students of color—and honoring the original intent of the flag as a visual stand against systemic racism—we also want to ensure that the symbols we display reflect our full community. This led Dean of Multicultural Education Michelle de la Guardia and Quimby to engage in thoughtful conversations with student leaders of the Black Latinx Association (BLA). These students expressed their support for replacing the BLM flag with one that continues to reflect the Academy’s commitment to equity and inclusion.

BLA student leaders worked in collaboration with adults in the community to create a new flag that upholds the same core values of justice and belonging.

“This new flag serves as a reminder that we are united in this effort and that no matter our background, we all share a responsibility to challenge injustice and create a supportive environment for everyone,” said Nuer Bol ‘25, BLA Co-Head.

de la Guardia added, “This new flag carries forward the same crucial message, but it does so in a way unique to our school. It stands as a promise that our Black and Brown students, faculty, and staff are an integral part of Govs. We honor their identities and contributions, and we reaffirm that racial justice and belonging go hand in hand.”

The new flags were unveiled to students, faculty, and staff during a Morning Meeting. Quimby, de la Guardia, and Bol shared remarks with the community about the meaning of the flags and reiterated the Academy’s commitment to creating a sense of belonging for every member of the community. 

“A flag can signal our values, but it’s our daily actions that give those values life. True belonging isn’t created by banners on a wall – it’s created by all of us, through how we treat one another every day,” said de la Guardia at the close of her remarks.