Urgent Billboards Promote Inclusion in Idaho Communities

UPDATE: Residents of Grangeville and Lewiston, Idaho, are rallying behind an urgent message of inclusion, launching a series of billboards declaring “Everyone is Welcome Here.” This grassroots initiative, inspired by the Wassmuth Center for Human Rights, is gaining momentum and is set to spread across the state.

The effort began when Norma Staaf and her neighbors raised funds to display a billboard in Grangeville, sparked by a previous controversy involving classroom signs in the West Ada School District. “I thought, ‘Wow, that would make a good billboard,’” Staaf said, highlighting the importance of sharing this simple yet powerful message of acceptance.

According to Christina Bruce-Bennion, executive director of the Wassmuth Center, the phrase “Everyone is Welcome Here” resonates deeply with Idahoans. “It’s a foundational message for schools and communities,” she stated, underscoring the urgency of promoting diversity and respect in today’s climate.

Staaf’s first billboard went up along U.S. Highway 95 in early September 2023 and quickly garnered support online. As word spread, additional financial contributions flowed in from nearby communities, leading to a second billboard along D Street in Lewiston, near the Lewiston Tribune office. Staaf confirmed, “I’ve received enough funding to keep the Lewiston billboard up for at least three months.”

The success of the Lewiston display is part of a larger trend, with similar billboards already appearing in Coeur d’Alene and more expected throughout the Treasure Valley and central Idaho. Staaf expressed her astonishment at the widespread support, stating, “I hope this message will continue to inspire others to take small actions where they are.”

The urgency of this initiative is amplified by the background of the controversy that ignited it. Last spring, Sarah Inama, a teacher at Lewis and Clark Middle School, faced backlash for displaying posters in her classroom that were deemed non-compliant with school policies. Her refusal to remove them led to national media coverage and her eventual resignation, shining a spotlight on issues of inclusion and freedom of expression in education.

As the billboards continue to spread across Idaho, the Wassmuth Center’s mission to promote respect and individual responsibility is resonating more than ever. Community members are coming together, proving that a simple message can foster a wave of positivity and inclusion.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops. The movement towards inclusivity is gaining traction in Idaho, and community members are encouraged to join the conversation and take action in their own towns.