Educators Should Embrace LGBT Students During Pride

With June upon us, millions of LGBT people will begin to celebrate who they are. Parades and festivals will be held across the country as rainbow flags fly proudly. In schools, many Gay/Straight Alliances will show their support and pride of the LGBT community. It’s a great month to create awareness and support.

Unfortunately, many students will face the black-lash of intolerance. Considering our current political climate, many believe that it is okay to promote hate. In many cases, the 1st amendment will be used as an excuse to propagate hate speech. These misguided individuals will claim this is their “constitutional right."

However, these rights do not necessarily apply in public school settings. Administrators have a duty to protect ALL STUDENTS and provide a safe environment. Any adult who chooses to allow the expression of hate and hides behind the First Amendment is a coward, and not fit to lead.

Recently at a school in Connecticut, students decorated for a June Pride celebration. A handful of students protested holding anti-LGBT signs. The building principal approved the protest claiming that those students had the right to “express” themselves. This was clearly a hate action targeting a group of people who are different than them. Had these students targeted African-American or Jewish people, would that same demonstration have been allowed?

After pressure on social media, he crafted a letter defending the students’ right to protest. Rather than say this was a mistake and I should have not allowed it, he choose to hide behind the First Amendment. In doing so, he left his LGBT students vulnerable to attack and a target of hate. This is shameful!

Freedom of speech should be protected at all costs. If these students choose to do so off school property, that is their right. However, would the school defend them if they held signs featuring racial slurs? This would be their right to do so, but I’m pretty sure the school district would not condone such expression or “free speech”.

Time and time again courts have ruled that rights are limited for students in school. Adults need to use common sense and decide what is appropriate and legal, and in the best interests of all students and staff.

As we enter Pride month, I beg administrators and teachers to protect LGBT students. Allow them to express themselves in a safe environment. Embrace the diversity of your buildings and fill it with love…not hate!