Petition Calls for Removal of School Signs a Clio Grandmother Says Are LGBTQ Related

A Clio grandmother says school signage should be changed to better reflect what she believes unites students.

CLIO, Mich. - A Clio area grandmother has launched a petition calling for the removal of signs she believes promote LGBTQ identities in Clio schools, arguing they should be replaced with messages centered on school unity and Mustang pride.

Kim Ranks said she wants signs featuring rainbow imagery and other symbols commonly associated with LGBTQ identities removed from school buildings and replaced with signs using Clio’s orange and black school colors.

“The goal is to promote Mustang mentality,” Ranks said during an interview. “We’re going to be kind to everyone. That includes anyone that’s part of LGBTQ. It includes anyone that looks different than us.”

Ranks said she supports messages such as “Safe Space for All” but objects to the use of rainbow imagery and other symbols that she believes are associated with social and political causes.

During the interview, I asked Ranks what was wrong with a sign that states “Safe Space for All.”

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“Automatically your mind goes to the LGBTQ in that,” she said. “I personally do not agree with that.”

Ranks said students have identified the signs as symbols associated with LGBTQ causes and identities.

Ranks responded that she believes the same message could be conveyed through school colors and Mustang-themed imagery.

“I absolutely want a safe space for all,” she said. “You can say the same thing with just having an orange and black Mustang saying that says safe space.”

I also challenged Ranks on criticism she may face from those who view the effort as anti LGBTQ.

“Someone sees this interview and they’re going to say, ‘Kim, you are against LGBTQ, you’re homophobic.’ What do you say to them?” I asked.

“Absolutely not,” Ranks responded. “I love everyone. I want everyone to be included.”

Ranks said her concerns stem partly from conversations with students, including her granddaughter, and from what she views as an increasing focus on identity issues in schools.

She also argued that schools should focus more attention on academics.

“Michigan is now 44th in the nation in literacy,” she said. “Many people would argue there’s a lot more things that need to be focused on instead of these sort of things.”

Ranks said she met with school officials approximately seven months ago and proposed replacing the signs with messages promoting kindness, respect and school pride while using Clio’s colors and mascot.

“I think that’s fair for all,” she said. “We are Mustangs. Let’s promote pride.”

I reached out to Clio Community Schools Superintendent Lisa Taylor for comment regarding the concerns raised in the petition and interview. Taylor acknowledged receiving my request and said she would be looking into the matter but did not provide additional comment before publication. If Taylor provides a response, this story will be updated to include it.

Ranks said she has received support from members of her church and others in the community. She said her goal is not to exclude LGBTQ students but to create what she views as a more neutral environment in public schools.

“I do absolutely believe that we need to love all the students, and that includes the LGBTQ,” she said. “I am totally not against them in any way, shape or form.”

Supporters of LGBTQ inclusive signage often argue such displays help students feel welcomed, accepted and safe at school. Clio school officials have not publicly commented on the concerns raised by Ranks.

The petition remains active as supporters continue collecting signatures from community members.