WIMBERLEY, Texas — A picture circulating on social media featuring the Wimberley High School Texans logo modified with a rainbow flag is causing a stir, both in support and opposition.

  • School logo altered with rainbow flag
  • Board member wore logo on shirt
  • Altered logo draws support and criticism 

The image shows the high school's logo altered with the rainbow flag and the words "TEXAN PRIDE" underneath. It's prompted support from the LGBTQ community and allies in Wimberley, but not everyone is on board with the alteration.

The controversy was fueled when Wimberley ISD Place 1 board member Lori Olson posted a photo of her wearing a shirt featuring the altered logo ahead of last week's first ever Wimberley Pride parade.

According to a statement released by Wimberley Pride, Olson has been “vilified” for her post.

"That t-shirt, not created by the school board member pictured wearing it, by Wimberley Pride, or sold by any organization that we are aware of, but most likely by someone who had pride in the fact that Wimberley Independent School Board adopted #noplaceforhate used the much loved WT logo from Wimberley High School," the statement read.

The district superintendent, Dwain York, sent an email to parents saying the Texan logo is an official brand, and any alteration would suggest a district endorsement. Any altered format will not be approved by a board member or administrator and any use of the official logo required superintendent approval in writing.

Wimberley Pride’s statement claims "altered, modified, or rebranded" logos have shown up in the past with no public “admonishment,” and the organization feels it’s unfair the district is taking a stand against the altered logo now that it’s been associated with the LGBTQ community.

"The fact that this shirt used the WT logo has attracted attention online that resulted in [inquiries] to the district superintendent and now an email and letter writing campaign calling for disciplinary action against the school board member for wearing this item of clothing in a Facebook post. It is important to note that it appears that this logo has previously been used in other items of apparel," said Wimberley Pride's statement. "This is the first time that WISD has issued a public admonishment of the use of their logo in this fashion. No district wide admonishment has been issued before over the use of this logo, even though this logo is regularly seen altered, modified, and rebranded in personal sporting announcements, apparel sold in local gift shops, used in religious decorations, in secular use, and other environments."

In a statement released to Spectrum News Wednesday, York said because the logo is beloved, it’s understandable people are passionate about it. Moving forward, York said the district will create clear brand guidelines for the use of the logo that is fair and consistent, regardless of who uses it.

Here's the full statement from Wimberley ISD superintendent Dwain York:

"We are honored that we have a diverse community where so many people want to support our schools and share in the excitement that the WHS Texan brand brings. It is the official brand of the high school and one of the District’s logos. Because it is a beloved logo, it is understandable that people are passionate about it. The District represents all of the community. Learning from this situation, we know moving forward, we need to create clear brand guidelines for the use of the Texan logo so that the District is fair and consistent, regardless of who wants to use it. That is a discussion we are having now, putting together a branding committee and making these important decisions.”