After students chanted at a Pride event that their pronouns were “USA,” school officials accused the suburban middle school students of “intolerance and homophobia.”
Students gathered at Marshall Simpson Middle School in early June to celebrate a “spirit day” in honor of Pride Month. Hosted by Spectrum — the school’s gay-sexuality alliance club — the event included posters and spirit wear, according to a letter from school superintendent Eric Conti. (READ MORE: The Crisis in America’s Education Establishment is Self-Induced)
“Unfortunately, some of these symbols were damaged on Friday during the school day by some students,” Conti wrote in a letter to the school community. “Like any spirit day celebration at MSMS, participation is optional. Respectful behavior across the entire student body, however, is non negotiable.”
The Burlington Equity Coalition — “a group of local organizations committed to building an inclusive, equitable and welcoming town community” — released a statement expressing its concern about the students’ reaction to the pride event. The group has called for the reinstallment of a diversity, equity, and inclusion director.
“We ask that the Select Board reinstate the recently disbanded Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion subcommittee and set an unequivocal example for all Burlington residents that our community won’t accept acts of bigotry,” the coalition said in a press release.
“These displays of intolerance and homophobia are unacceptable and impact the whole community,” the press release states. “The Burlington Equity Coalition stands in support of and solidarity with the members of the school community who were harmed by these acts of intolerance. We call upon the school administration to address and provide consequences for the students who participated in the counter protest.”
Straight Student Uncomfortable With Pride Event
Parent Christine Steiner told WCVB 5 that her straight daughter felt that the posters were “offensive.” The poster included quotes from Tennessee Williams, a playwright known for his homosexuality.
“Some of the kids threw stickers on the ground, but I can only speak for my daughter,” Steiner said in the TV interview. “She didn’t want to wear that [rainbow stickers] to school. It’s not that she wanted to hurt anybody’s feelings.”
However, both the superintendent and the coalition stressed that this opportunity should be used as a moment for “education.”
“As a school system we have a unique opportunity to educate our community on the nature of these events,” Conti wrote. “Our staff have and will continue to receive resources, materials, and training to help identify and respond to identity bigotry and discrimination. As these lessons extend beyond the classroom, we invite all students, parents, guardians, and other community members to participate in this ongoing dialogue.”
Elizabeth Crawford is a rising senior at Hillsdale College studying politics. A member of The American Spectator’s 2023 intern class, Elizabeth enjoys drinking good tea and plans to pursue a career in journalism.
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